A personal safety phone app that aims to give people and their loved ones a greater peace of mind when they’re out-and-about has launched in Barrow.
WalkSafe will help those who live, work or visit the town plan their journeys home and days and nights out in the safest way, while letting their friends and family know where they are on an online map.
The free app has received the backing of Cumbria Police and Westmorland and Furness Council.
It follows its successful launch and use in Carlisle – where it has been used nearly 20,000 times since its launch in December 2024
WalkSafe features a map of Barrow that pinpoints local venues that provide enhanced safety features that may make people feel safer on a night out.
The app can also help people plot a safer route home.
Users can share their live location with trusted contacts and the app will notify friends and family when they get home safe.
It features an SOS button to alert trusted contacts immediately that you feel in danger.
It can be downloaded on the App Store or at Google Play.
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Taylor said: “This app has been used nearly 20,000 times in Carlisle so those out-and-about in the city feel safer, whether they are on a night out, taking the dog for a walk, going for a run or just going about their business.
“We’re pleased that, with the backing of Westmorland and Furness Council, we’ve now been able to bring this to Barrow, where we hope it will be of similar benefit to people here.
“Our officers are out in the community every day and carry out enhanced visible patrols at peak times to offer reassurance and deter any offences.
“This app is another tool to go alongside the more traditional methods already being used to help people feel safer.
“Cumbria is a safe place to live and visit but we are also listening to communities. We are told that people feel uncomfortable when out at night or being alone in public places.
“This is why we are taking this action, alongside other partnership initiatives, to create safer spaces.
“WalkSafe Barrow is designed to provide extra reassurance and also gives users’ friends and families an extra bit of peace of mind to know where they are and that they are safe.
“Whether you’re out in Barrow’s pubs, bars or restaurants or you’re simply walking home from work in the dark, WalkSafe is a really handy app to have downloaded to your phone to help you plan a night out or get home in the safest way.”
The app also allows you to report issues.
If you don’t want or aren’t ready to contact police or other agencies for problems you are aware of – such as poor lighting, being followed, catcalling, or large groups and intimidating locations – this information when reported is used to focus on and increase safety in that place.
Steph Cordon, Chair of the Community Safety Partnership and Director of Thriving Communities at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “In Westmorland and Furness, everyone has the right to enjoy a night out without fear or worry. That’s why we are pleased to support the rollout of the WalkSafe app in Barrow through funding from our Community Safety Partnership.
“The partnership brings together the council, Cumbria Police and other key organisations to tackle local safety issues and strengthen community wellbeing. Supporting WalkSafe is part of our shared ambition to work proactively together to create an environment where people feel confident and safe in our town centres and public spaces.
“This app is a practical addition to the wider work already under way across the area to raise awareness of spiking and support our licensed premises and communities. It offers reassurance to residents and visitors alike, helping them to plan ahead, look out for one another and enjoy their time out with greater peace of mind.”
WalkSafe has previously been rolled out in 35 towns and cities throughout the UK.
Emma Kay, Founder and CEO of WalkSafe, said: “We’re delighted to be launching WalkSafe in Barrow, giving residents and visitors practical tools to plan safer journeys, share automatic notifications and easily find safety-accredited venues. Following the positive impact we’ve seen in Carlisle, we’re proud to now bring this reassurance to the Barrow community.
“Working alongside Cumbria Police and Westmorland and Furness Council, this partnership complements all of the wonderful work already happening in and around the area. WalkSafe is thrilled to be a part of the team helping to inform and empower people whilst they’re out and about.”
The app also highlights features such as:
- Venues that operate the Ask for Angela scheme, where people can ask a member of staff for support by “asking for Angela”.
- Venues with licensed security.
- Sites for free mobile phone charging.
- Sites with free sanitary products.
- Venues where staff are given training to manage inappropriate or threatening behaviour.