Summer Safety Roadshow makes an impact across Cheshire communities

A summer roadshow, taking safety and prevention messages directly into communities across Cheshire, has helped make difficult conversations easier, while giving police valuable insight into what helps people feel safer.

Cheshire Constabulary's Summer Safety Roadshow visited towns and community events across the county throughout the summer, with officers, staff and partners speaking to thousands of people about consent, healthy relationships, personal safety, violence against women and girls and domestic abuse. 

Instead of traditional information stands, the roadshow used games, scenarios and interactive activities to encourage people of all ages to get involved and start conversations - which were also had with our partners RASASC (Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre) and MyCWA (Cheshire Without Abuse). 

Evaluation carried out throughout the summer has shown the impact the approach had. 

More than 450 people completed an evaluation after taking part in activities exploring consent, boundaries and healthy relationships. 

More than eight in ten (81%) said they felt more comfortable talking about consent afterwards. 

Among those who initially described themselves as extremely uncomfortable, uncomfortable or only somewhat comfortable discussing consent, almost 95% said they felt more comfortable after taking part. 

The roadshow also gave officers and staff the opportunity to speak to more than 1,000 people about personal safety, providing practical advice and safety products while asking people what would make them feel safer on a night out. 

Responses included visible policing and security, better lighting and CCTV, knowing where to get help, staying with friends and trusted people, and confidence in venues and their staff. 

People were also invited to anonymously vote on what they thought could make it easier for someone to ask for help. 

Of 1,120 votes, 36.8% chose knowing where support is available, 34.9% chose having someone they trust to talk to and 28.3% chose knowing they would be believed. 

Chief Superintendent Saf Ali, Head of Local Policing, said:

“The Summer Safety Roadshow has been a fantastic example of how we can take important prevention messages directly into our communities in a creative, engaging and accessible way. 

“Some of the subjects we have been talking about aren't always easy to discuss, but the interactive approach gave children, young people and adults the opportunity to get involved and have those conversations in a really positive environment. 

“What is particularly encouraging is the impact we've seen. People haven't just taken part in an activity - the results show that many have taken something meaningful away from it. 

“We've also listened. People across Cheshire have told us what helps them feel safer and what they think could make it easier for someone to ask for help, and we'll use that insight to help shape future prevention activity. 

“I'd like to thank all of the officers, staff and partners who supported the roadshow throughout the summer, and of course everyone who stopped to speak to us and get involved.” 

The Summer Safety Roadshow visited Barons Quay - Northwich, Sandbach Town Centre, Cheshire Oaks, Macclesfield Market Square, Heath Park - Runcorn, Chester Town Hall Square, Queens Park - Crewe, Victoria Park - Widnes and Victoria Park - Warrington, as well as events at Nantwich Show, Chester Zoo and the Cheshire Show. 

For more information about the Constabulary’s Consent. It Starts with a Conversation campaign visit: 

Consent | Cheshire Constabulary 

For tips and advice on how to speak to your children about consent visit: 

Consent – Support for parents | Cheshire Constabulary 

The Summer Safety Roadshow was held at:

• Tuesday 21 July - Northwich, The Square Barons Quay 
• Thursday 23 July - Sandbach, Town Centre 
• Friday 24 July - Ellesmere Port, Cheshire Oaks 
• Monday 27 July - Macclesfield, Market Square 
• Wednesday 29 July - Nantwich Show
• Monday 3 August - Runcorn, Heath Park 
• Wednesday 5 August - Chester, Town Hall Square 
• Friday 21 August – Crewe, Queen’s Park 
• Monday 24 August – Widnes, Victoria Park 
• Tuesday 25 August - Chester Zoo
• Wednesday 26 August – Warrington, Victoria Park