Safer Steps: Mid and East Antrim hosts personal safety walk for women during 16 Days of Action

(L-R) Denise McVeigh from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council's Parks and Open Spaces team, PSNI Inspector Colin Ash, PCSP Chair Cllr Lauren Gray, PCSP Vice Chair Sharon Maxwell, and Local Neighbourhood PSNI Officer Julie McKeown. (Images: Steven McAuley)

Women across Mid and East Antrim are being encouraged to take part in a special night-time personal safety walk in Larne this December, as part of a partnership initiative between the borough’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), the Council’s Parks and Open Spaces team, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

The Safer Steps walk will take place on Thursday 4 December 2025, running from 7.30pm to 9pm, departing from and returning to Sandy Bay Pavilion.

The event is designed to create a supportive environment for women to discuss personal safety concerns, build confidence, and receive practical advice directly from community safety professionals.

Participants will be joined on the walk by Local Neighbourhood PSNI Officer Julie McKeown, with refreshments, festive treats, and an informal Q&A session to follow.

Focus on Community Safety and Women’s Voices

Mid and East Antrim PCSP chair, Councillor Lauren Gray, said the initiative reflects the partnership’s commitment to listening to local people and understanding their experiences.

“MEA PCSP is committed to ensuring that the voices of local people are heard on policing and community safety issues.

“We hope women in the Borough will take the opportunity to come along and avail of the personal safety advice on offer, in a friendly and informal setting.

“Engaging with women in this way recognises that, while broader societal change is needed to tackle gender-based violence, whether it manifests as harassment in public spaces, domestic or sexual abuse or coercive control, we can help to empower women by hearing their concerns and offering practical support and guidance.”

Denise McVeigh from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council's Parks and Open Spaces team, PSNI Inspector Colin Ash, PCSP Chair Cllr Lauren Gray, PCSP Vice Chair Sharon Maxwell, and Local Neighbourhood PSNI Officer Julie McKeown.

The Council’s Parks and Open Spaces team also emphasises the importance of ensuring that women and girls feel able to enjoy the area’s beaches, parks and outdoor spaces safely.

MEA PCSP continues to support community safety initiatives across the borough, with a focus on crime prevention, reducing anti-social behaviour, and building trust between communities and police.

The partnership also provides a dedicated support programme for victims of domestic abuse, including tailored assistance for children.

Part of 16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence

The timing of the Safer Steps walk coincides with the international 16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence campaign, which runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day).

PSNI Inspector Colin Ash said the event offered an important opportunity to strengthen local relationships.

“The Safer Steps event, which falls during the national 16 Days of Action campaign, is an opportunity for the Police Service of Northern Ireland to build on our relationships and continue to have important conversations with our partners and the community we serve about what we are doing to take action.

“It is crucial that we strengthen partnerships and maximise opportunities to hear from, and listen to, people in our community to better understand their views on what more needs to be done as a society to create an environment in which they can feel and be safe.

“We want everyone to have confidence in police and know that we are working on their behalf, collectively with partners, to make a real and lasting difference to change attitudes and behaviours, and create safer communities.”

How to Register

The event is free to attend, but registration is required via Eventbrite.

Participants will receive full details ahead of the walk.

Support is available for anyone affected by issues relating to personal safety or domestic abuse.

Services include:

• PSNI – Safety and Support

• Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland – support for women and children

• MAP NI – Men’s Advisory Project for male victims of domestic abuse

• Onus NI – Domestic abuse awareness and Safe Place training

• White Ribbon NI – Campaign to end male violence against women