More Than a Safe Place: How Liz Batten Is Helping Salisbury Connect

What makes a city feel safe? Sometimes it is knowing there is somewhere to go when you feel overwhelmed. Sometimes it is finding a group where you belong, or discovering that another organisation has exactly the support you need.

In this episode of The Community Sofa, Courtney and Debs welcome Liz Batten from Safer and Supportive Salisbury. Liz explains the work behind Salisbury’s Safe Places scheme and introduces the much wider network of local people and organisations working to make the city welcoming and supportive for everyone who lives, works or visits here.

Safe Places are local venues displaying a recognisable sticker in their window or at the entrance. Someone who feels frightened, distressed or unsure what to do can go inside and ask for help. As Liz explains, that help might be somewhere to sit, a glass of water, a phone call or simply someone willing to listen while you work out your next step.

The scheme is for people of all ages. Liz shares a moving example from her time at Salisbury Arts Centre, when a young person who had been chased by bullies came inside for help. The team helped him feel safe and involved the right people to support him. It is a powerful illustration of why a familiar sticker and a welcoming response can matter.

Liz also talks about the Safe Places app, which can help people find a nearby participating venue that is open when they need it. Her suggestion is simple: look out for the stickers as you move around Salisbury, so you know where you could turn one day.

Safe Places are only part of the story. Safer and Supportive Salisbury brings together charities, community groups and individuals who are working on related issues. The aim is to help them share what they know, spot gaps in support and build relationships that lead to practical action.

Liz describes the value of conversations that happen around a network meeting: two people realise they are trying to solve the same problem, decide to meet again and start working together. Safer and Supportive Salisbury also helps emerging groups find contacts, advice and possible funding so that good ideas can get off the ground.

One example is Men Matters, a free Salisbury showcase bringing together activities, organisations and support relevant to men’s wellbeing and mental health. Liz explains that an interest in sport, a hobby or simply having a coffee can be a more comfortable starting point for conversation than a formal appointment. The event is designed for men of different ages, and friends, partners and family members are welcome too.

Safer and Supportive Salisbury also convenes networks focused on dementia and mental health. Liz speaks candidly about listening to people with lived experience, making support easier to navigate and recognising where the gaps remain.

Then there is the organisation’s newsletter. It began during the first COVID lockdown as a way of sharing fast changing local information. Today it continues to pass on news of community groups, events and support. Courtney and Debs talk about how useful it is to receive that information and share it with others.