Help point installed in Nottingham to enhance safety for women and girls
New 24-hour safety measure aims to boost public security
A 24-hour emergency help point has been set up in Nottingham city centre's Angel Row to enhance public safety.
Prompted by Nottinghamshire Police's Walk in My Shoes campaign launched in March 2025, this measure focuses on areas where women and girls feel unsafe, following the campaign’s bespoke survey which gathered over 3,600 responses.
Five locations across Nottingham city and county were identified with Angel Row being a priority for increased security measures.
Funded by the Office for Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, the help point allows anyone in distress to communicate directly with CCTV control room operators by simply pressing a button. It also boosts CCTV surveillance in the locality.
Help Point Features
The custom-made help point tower stands 4m tall, integrated with features designed for accessibility, including a hearing loop and user-friendly intercom system.
Its CCTV camera rotates for optimal coverage, and the column is painted in reflective material with clear signage for visibility.
When activated, a blue light flashes atop the column, alerting response teams and reassuring the person in need that help is on its way.
Superintendent Heather Maelor of Nottinghamshire Police expressed the importance of the new installation, saying:
"We are delighted to have the Angel Row help point in operation. Women and girls were very clear with us that they felt the area needed better coverage and extra security.
"While Angel Row is part of our police patrol plans, having a dedicated help point means we can capture people's safety concerns immediately.
"This will not replace policing in the area but will be an additional tool to help us detect any incidents before they escalate.
"We are also committed to delivering the recommended changes that were raised by the public across the county."
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Angel Kandola highlighted the tool's potential, emphasising that it complements existing patrols and support systems, adding:
"The Walk in My Shoes survey highlighted Angel Row as the area in the city centre that women and girls said they most wanted extra security, and I'm delighted to say we can now unveil this new help point to give people round-the-clock support.
"This help point adds to that offer – ensuring we are thinking outside the box and doing everything we can to make Nottingham a safer place.
"This is particularly important for women and girls, who are by far the most victimised by violence, including sexual violence. However, the help point can be used by anyone to get immediate support when they need it."
Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden spoke on the importance of incorporating public feedback, mentioning:
"We have listened to the voices of local women and girls about where they feel the least safe and with the installation of this help point, we have taken direct action to help improve feelings of safety.
"I'm delighted to be able to fund this intervention which supports the work of partner agencies such as Nottinghamshire Police who also committed to carrying out extra patrols in response to the survey."