Strut Safe is a UK-wide phone line. If you're walking alone, our volunteers will be a friendly voice to keep you company and help you feel safe until you are through the door.
Strut Safe is proud to be the winner of the 2023 Young Scot Community Award.
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
Fridays & Saturdays: 19:00 - 03:00
Sundays: 19:00 - 01:00
Strut Safe is a volunteer-operated and non-judgemental support line. We will stay on the phone with you until you arrive safely at your destination, no matter where you are going or where you have come from.We stand in solidarity with marginalised people and are unaligned with the police. We provide kindness and reassurance to anyone who needs it during their travels.
Calls to Strut Safe can be made from anywhere in the UK and are almost always free, as they are included in phone packages with free minutes. If you do not have inclusive minutes, calls will be at the standard 03 rate for your mobile contract.When you call Strut Safe, our automated system will transfer you to an available volunteer. Our volunteer will ask your name and location, then chat to you about whatever you want until you are safely through the door.All of our volunteers go through a thorough interview and training process and they all hold valid Disclosure and Barring Service certificates.If no volunteers are available when you call, you can choose to either leave a message or to hear a list of other phone lines that are open.
Rho Chung - they/them - Director of CommunicationsRho is a writer, director, and academic hailing from the United States, though they have called Edinburgh home since 2017.They work as a section editor with The Skinny, and they have also worked with Some Kind of Theatre, Fringe of Colour, The Show Must Go Online, the Edinburgh Early Modern Network, and the London Shakespeare Centre.Rho is currently completing their PhD, which focuses on the depiction of gendered violence in genderqueer Shakespeare productions.They are passionate about abolishing prisons and police, and they hope to gear their work towards a more liberated future.
Levi Mitchell - he/they - Director of OperationsLevi is from a town called Kingussie, now living in Glasgow.He’s a union organiser for Living Rent, Scotland’s tenants’ and community union. They’re a tenured transgender. He studied history and swayed the Marxist way. He hates bureaucracy. He spends his days building working-class power.He is opposed to carceral punishment and police. He is passionate about direct action and care as an answer to oppression, and believes Strut Safe’s greatest strength is the kindness of everyone involved.When they can catch a break, Levi loves tending to his plants and life partner.
Michelle Kelly - she/her - Director of StrategyMichelle is an actor and singer based in Yorkshire. She performs in plays, audio dramas, films and in sensory theatre shows for audiences with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities.She is passionate about intersectional feminism, amplifying the voices of queer, disabled and global majority people in all areas of life, and well-organised spreadsheets.When she is not working she can usually be found petting one of her two beloved greyhounds.
Tom 'Diar' Davey-Rogerson - he/they - Director of PersonnelDiar is from and lives in Yorkshire, and they are a Recruitment Manager at the University of York.They’re an advocate for greater accessibility in all spaces, as well as increasing the availability of teaching and learning resources. They’re a singer, performance coach and burgeoning choir director.They like animals, games, and music that many people would consider unlistenable.
Kimberley Nicol - she/her - Head of FundraisingKimberley is originally from Glasgow and now lives and works in Edinburgh City. She has volunteered in the third sector for 4 years holding various roles in marketing, events, and sponsorship as well as coordinating.A supporter of Strut Safe since its inception, she was like many others deeply impacted by the murder of Sarah Everard and all that it represented. She is extremely passionate about eliminating gender based violence, supporting marginalised groups within society and above all creating safe environments for all.She believes everyone has the right to feel safe 100% of the time and loves being able to support Strut Safe in doing their part towards this goal!
Laur Convery - she/her - Head of OutreachOriginally from Newcastle, Laur moved to London and began her career as a marketeer for a well-known coconut rum brand.Laur believes gender should not hold you back, which drives her passion for challenging both conscious and unconscious biases in the workplace through her role on the Diversity & Inclusion panel at her global FMCG employer. She was shortlisted as a Woman Of The Future in 2022.A proud auntie to 1 year old Jasmine, Laur wants to make sure younger girls have positive, compassionate and strong role models to look up to so they know anything is possible.
Katarina Slater - she/her - Head of Service ProvisionBased in London, Katarina has been volunteering for Strut Safe for the last year and a half. Alongside Strut Safe, she works for an academic journal and is a DJ.With a degree in Physical Geography, her background in glaciology and climate change drives her to be an advocate for a more sustainable future. She hopes to one day see in person the Icelandic glacier she wrote about for her dissertation.She is passionate about ending all forms of gendered violence and believes every voice should be heard. Strut Safe’s work is integral to this by providing people with a voice of comfort at the other end of the phone when they feel at their most vulnerable.
Alongside our Leadership Team, Strut Safe has 80 additional dedicated volunteers who help with recruitment, training, outreach, fundraising, and of course answering your calls.
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
Fridays & Saturdays: 19:00 - 03:00
Sundays: 19:00 - 01:00
Thank you for supporting Strut Safe. The helpline costs £500 per month to run and we rely entirely on donations to keep answering your calls.At present, our phone line is open three nights a week and every single member of the team is unpaid. We hope to one day offer an expanded service open on more weeknights, and provide a fair wage to our directors and heads of department so that they can dedicate more time and energy to improving our service. Your donations can help to make these dreams a reality.
If you're not in a position to support us finanically, you can still help us out!
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
Fridays & Saturdays: 19:00 - 03:00
Sundays: 19:00 - 01:00
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us! We are currently recruiting volunteer Call Handlers. We are particularly looking for volunteers with availability very late at night on weekends and weeknights.Click here to learn more about the role and our interview process.To apply, please fill out the form below by midnight on the 15th December:
If you are interested in volunteering in a specific role other than call handler, feel free to email us and we will get in touch the next time we are recruiting for that role.
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
Fridays & Saturdays: 19:00 - 03:00
Sundays: 19:00 - 01:00
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
Fridays & Saturdays: 19:00 - 03:00
Sundays: 19:00 - 01:00
Mental HealthSamaritans
116 123 (free, open 24/7)
samaritans.org
Samaritans are open for anyone who needs to talk. You can visit some Samaritans branches in person.Victim Support
0808 168 9111 (free, open 24/7)
victimsupport.org.uk
Provides emotional and practical support for people affected by crime and traumatic events. Also has a webchat.Shout
Text SHOUT to 85258 (free, 24/7)
giveusashout.org
Text-based mental health support from anywhere in the UK.National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK
0800 689 5652 (6pm-midnight every day)
spuk.org.uk
Offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide.SANEline
0300 304 7000 (4pm–10pm every day)
sane.org.uk
If you're experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline.Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day)
thecalmzone.net
Offers mental health support and advice for supporting friends. Also has a web chat, open same hours as the phone line.Papyrus HOPELINEUK
0800 068 4141 (9am-midnight every day)
Email pat@papyrus-uk.org
Text 07786 039 967
papyrus-uk.org
If you're under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call Papyrus.
Survivors of Sexual AssaultRape Crisis
0808 500 2222 (free, 24/7)
247sexualabusesupport.org.uk
Specialist rape and sexual abuse support line. Also offers 24/7 web chat.Rape Crisis Scotland
08088 01 03 02 (free, 5pm-midnight every day)
07537 410 027 (text line)
rapecrisisscotland.org.uk
Support line for people of all genders aged 13+ who have been affected by sexual violence. Also has a web chat.
Survivors of AbuseNational Domestic Abuse Helpline
0808 2000 247 (free, open 24/7)
nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Free 24-hour helpline for women who have experienced domestic abuse and violence, with all female advisors. Also offers a live chat and can help to find refuge accommodation. Run by the domestic violence charity Refuge.Respond
0207 383 0700 (9am-5pm Monday-Friday)
respond.org.uk
Services for people with a learning disability, autism or both, who have experienced abuse or trauma.
Black and MinoritisedRoshni
0800 953 9777 (multi-lingual, open 24/7)
roshnibirmingham.org.uk
Helpline for people from Black and Minoritised communities experiencing honour-based violence, forced marriage, rape or sexual assault. Also offers services for survivors of domestic abuse, honour-based violence, forced marriage, rape, sexual assault or FGM in the West Midlands.Southall Black Sisters
0208 571 9595 (9am-5pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
southallblacksisters.org.uk
Information, advice, advocacy, practical help, counselling and support to Black and minoritised women and children who have experienced domestic and sexual violence and/or forced marriage. Offers telephone services in multiple languages. Phone line operates nationally and can refer to services outside of London. Forced marriage casework is taken on nationally.
LGBTQIA+Galop
0800 999 5428 (free, 10am-8.30pm Monday-Thursday, 10am-4.30pm Fridays)
help@galop.org.uk
galop.org.uk
Provides support for LGBT+ adults and young people who have experienced hate crime, sexual violence or domestic abuse. Also has a web chat.Switchboard
0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day)
switchboard.lgbt
A listening service to discuss anything, including sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and emotional wellbeing. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+. Also has a web chat from 5pm.Gendered Intelligence Support Line
0800 640 8046 (12-5pm Mon & Thurs, 2-7pm Tues, 10am-3pm Wed & Fri)
Email: supportline@genderedinteligence.co.uk
Whatsapp chat: 07592 650 496
genderedintelligence.co.uk
Support, information and advice for transgender people over 18 accessing or awaiting NHS gender care. All helpline staff are trans or non-binary.
Learning DisabledMencap
0808 808 1111 (free, 10am-3pm Monday-Friday)
mencap.org.uk
Information and advice for people with a learning disability, their families and carers. Services include an online community.
YouthThe Mix
0808 808 4994 (free, 4pm–11pm Monday-Saturday)
themix.org.uk
For people aged 11-25. For Crisis support, text THEMIX to 85258. You can also request support by email using the form on the website.Nightline
nightline.ac.uk
If you're a student, you can look on the Nightline website to see if your university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too.Childline
0800 1111 (free, 24/7)
childline.org.uk
Support line for anyone under the age of 19 in the UK to discuss anything that's bothering you. Also offers 24/7 web chat, and a video service to chat using a BSL interpreter 8am-8pm Monday-Friday and 8am-1pm Saturdays.
WalesC.A.L.L.
callhelpline.org.uk
0800 132 737 (free, open 24/7)
If you live in Wales, you can call the Community Advice and Listening Line (C.A.L.L.) or you can text 'help' followed by a question to 81066.Samaritans
0808 164 0123 (Welsh Language Line, 7pm–11pm every day)
samaritans.org/samaritans-cymru
Samaritans also have a letter-writing service in Welsh.
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
Fridays & Saturdays: 19:00 - 03:00
Sundays: 19:00 - 01:00
Contact Us
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
Fridays & Saturdays: 19:00 - 03:00
Sundays: 19:00 - 01:00
About Strut Safe
Strut Safe operates a UK-wide phone line for those out alone at night. The phone line is open Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm to 3am and Sundays from 7pm to 1am.
Mission Statement
Strut Safe is a volunteer-operated and non-judgemental support line. We will stay on the phone with you until you arrive safely at your destination, no matter where you are going or where you have come from.We stand in solidarity with marginalised people and are unaligned with the police. We provide kindness and reassurance to anyone who needs it during their travels.
Notes for Editors
Strut Safe’s Website
Strut Safe’s Instagram
Email Strut Safe
Press Images
Press Release Archive
2nd May 2023 - Strut Safe Co-founder Alice Jackson Departs Role
20th June 2022 - Strut Safe Ends Walking Service
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
Fridays & Saturdays: 19:00 - 03:00
Sundays: 19:00 - 01:00
All Strut Safe Volunteers sign and adhere to the below Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct is designed to keep our volunteers and users safe and to keep our service consistent.
As a volunteer, we expect you to respect all those who you are working with. The safety and comfort of both our volunteers and users is of utmost importance to us. We have a zero-tolerance policy for any kind of sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia or ableism. No harassment or bullying of any kind will be tolerated, and it will result in immediate dismissal and potentially, further action.
Do not make any romantic or sexual advances towards any of your fellow volunteers or the organisation’s users. We are not a dating service. Once again, we are committed to the safety and comfort of our volunteers and users. Do not try to contact users and be respectful to your fellow volunteers.
Do not accept any money or gifts of any kind from the users and keep all exchanges professional.
Volunteers must be familiar with all of Strut Safe’s policies and training before starting.
If you cannot make your volunteer shift, let a scheduling officer or a Strut Safe contact know as soon as possible, so they have plenty of time to find a replacement.
It is strictly prohibited for you to attend a volunteer shift while intoxicated with alcohol or any legal or illegal drugs/substances. You may also not drink or take substances during your shift. Doing so will result in immediate dismissal. If your circumstances have changed and you will not be able to make your shift sober or believe you will not be able to remain sober during your shift, then notify a scheduling officer or a Strut Safe contact immediately so they may find a replacement.
Last reviewed May 2023
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
Fridays & Saturdays: 19:00 - 03:00
Sundays: 19:00 - 01:00
All Strut Safe volunteers sign to agree to the below Zero Tolerance Policy:
Members of Strut Safe are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly manner, and respect the right of all Users as deserving of a safe environment, defined as a space which is welcoming and includes the prohibition of discriminatory language and actions.
Strut Safe will tolerate absolutely zero discrimination based on a person’s social background, including, but not limited to, their gender identity; age; race; sex; skin colour; nationality; culture; religious beliefs; socio-economic background; physical ability; sexual orientation; and/or family situation.
If a Volunteer violates these guidelines, the Board Members shall have the right to bar the Volunteer from participating in Strut Safe, either for a prescribed period of time or indefinitely, depending on the severity of the violation. The Board Members and/or Welfare Officer(s) have the right to remove any comments deemed discriminatory and can decide to block any member or person who continues to publish offensive or indecent posts.
We maintain that some comments (e.g. threats of violence and other attacks on the safety and wellbeing of a User, Volunteer or Board Member) are unacceptable, and if such comments are made the member will be banned from volunteering for Strut Safe in any capacity.
Strut Safe also reserves the right to refuse a Volunteer role to a person who has been known to have egregiously violated our Zero Tolerance Policy outside of Strut Safe activities and whom we believe would continue to breach safe space within the society, and would cause stress to existing members.
In the event that a User is repeatedly disrespectful or harmful to a Volunteer, Strut Safe reserves the right to ban that User and refuse them future service. The Strut Safe Directors may pursue a more formal action against any User who harms a Strut Safe Volunteer or another User, provided that the act is of a great severity.
We prioritise the needs of people who have experienced oppression and provide them with a space in which their voices can be heard and feel safe. Aggressive behaviour is not conducive to this, and airing belittling views or impinging on another's right to speak will not be tolerated
The Zero Tolerance policy will be in force in each activity undertaken by Strut Safe. Should a problem arise during an excursion, at an event or in any online spaces facilitated by Strut Safe, the Board of Directors should be made aware and will discuss the problem, and in some cases, someone may be asked to leave. It is the responsibility of the Board of Directors and all Volunteers to uphold the Zero Tolerance Policy.
If the need arises, volunteers may raise a concern or comment with the board via the Strut Safe Feedback Form. Anonymous submissions are welcome.
Last reviewed May 2023
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
Fridays & Saturdays: 19:00 - 03:00
Sundays: 19:00 - 01:00
Information shared with Strut Safe via our Contact form will be kept private and used only for relevant purposes.
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
Fridays & Saturdays: 19:00 - 03:00
Sundays: 19:00 - 01:00
The Strut Safe Leadership Team are committed to the below email policy:
The Strut Safe inbox operates as inbox zero.
All emails must be flagged with at least a Leadership Team member label within 48 hours of receipt.
Leadership Team are responsible for flagging their own emails.
All emails must be actioned and then removed from the inbox within five working days of receipt.
If an email needs to be kept beyond that time, it must be either archived in the relevant folder, or placed in the Leadership Team folders for safe-keeping.
If an email cannot be actioned within five working days, a holding email must be sent and the email must be discussed at the next Leadership Team meeting.
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
Fridays & Saturdays: 19:00 - 03:00
Sundays: 19:00 - 01:00
Safeguarding refers to the process of preventing harm, providing protection, and safe, effective
care.We offer a confidential service and we don’t require people to disclose personal information in
order to use our service. However, we may seek information in order to take action if we feel
that there is a safeguarding concern.Strut Safe takes confidentiality very seriously and will only consider speaking to someone else if
there is a serious concern about what we have been told and we believe by making a referral we
can prevent harm.Strut Safe’s service is not designed for children (someone under 18 years of age), however, the
nature of a public phone line means that we may receive calls from children.If a Call Handler has reason to believe that they are speaking to a child on a call, they are to
direct the caller to more age-appropriate phone lines (as presented in our resources section) and
encourage them to call these instead.A Call Handler must inform a caller that they intend to share what has been said with someone
else in order to keep the caller safe if:● They have reason to believe that they are speaking to a child on a call and have received
a disclosure that indicates that the child is suffering or will suffer harm
● They have reason to believe that they are speaking to an adult at risk who lacks the
capacity to make their own decisions at that time
● They receive information that identifies a child or adult at risk who is suffering abuse or
harmOur Call Handlers assume a person has capacity to make decisions unless there is evidence
otherwise, and take steps to maximise a person's capacity wherever possible. If they need to make decisions on behalf of another, they will look for the least restrictive option that is in their
best interests.It may be that we will have to ask a caller questions when talking to them to gain more
information, and to make sure we understand what they are telling us. If a caller does not share
information which identifies themselves, then we will be unable to act on their situation further.
Callers can decide what information to choose to share with us.It may be that we contact emergency services following a disclosure, if we deem the situation
serious enough. It may also be that we contact social services following a disclosure. Such
contact will only be made if we have sufficient information to provide an actionable referral.All Safeguarding incidents will be referred to Strut Safe’s Safeguarding team, who will review all
cases to ensure consistency and quality of service, as well as identify any patterns or training
needs for the organisation.
Last reviewed October 2023
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.