Walk and talks

UCL, in partnership with Metropolitan Police, is rolling out bespoke 'Walk & Talk' events across Bloomsbury Campus to tackle violence against women and girls.

An initiative led by the Metropolitan Police

The Metropolitan Police is inviting women studying, working, and living in London to walk and talk with female police officers to share their thoughts on safety and how to bring about positive change.

How the scheme works

Walk & Talks are open to all women aged 18 and above studying, living, or working in areas London, who would like to go for a walk with an officer in their local area and discuss their views on women’s safety.

Those who take part in the events can share their views and experiences with officers as they walk through any areas where they feel unsafe or vulnerable.

The aim of Walk & Talks is to start a conversation between the local community and officers so Police can listen and respond to concerns about women’s safety.

UCL’s role

UCL wants to be a part of the solution. Sophie Bimson, Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Advisor, will attend the Walk & Talk events. So, if there is a light out in the quad, you can tell her and UCL can look to get it fixed. If there is an area of campus that feels unsafe, we want to know so we can address it. It is crucial we get this feedback so we can better provide support and make changes that will positively impact the safety of the UCL community. Chances are, if you feel unsafe, others will too, and no one should feel that way at UCL.

Initially this pilot will take place on Bloomsbury Campus but if you would like to do a Walk & Talk somewhere else in London, for example the area you live in, you can book here.

What you can talk about ...

Anything crime or personal safety related. We want to provide a safe space to disclose your experiences, share your feelings about safety in the area and tell us about changes you would like to see, which would positively contribute to your feelings of safety at UCL.

Starting point

On the day of the Walk and Talk event you signed to attend, simply turn up to the Print Room Café and we will meet you there. If you would prefer not to pre-book, you can also turn up and grab a coffee with an officer and talk through any crime or personal safety concerns.

Event dates and times

Walk & Talks will be 1-hour slots dedicated to members of the UCL community, please see the following sessions available:

• Wednesday 10^th May – 10-11am, 11am-12pm, 12-1pm, 1-2pm
• Tuesday 16^th May- 10-11am, 11am-12pm, 12-1pm, 1-2pm
• Wednesday 31^st May – 10-11am, 11am-12pm, 12-1pm, 1-2pm
• Tuesday 6^th June - 10-11am, 11am-12pm, 12-1pm, 1-2pm

All Walk and Talk sessions will start in front of the Print Room café, but walks can be taken anywhere you would like to go around Bloomsbury Campus. If you have a group of friends who would like to join and you are all comfortable to do so, you can book in as a group and walk together. If you fancy a chat with an officer but don’t want to Walk & Talk, come to the Print Room Café between 10am-2pm and have an informal chat!

If you are interested in attending, please book a session via Eventbrite, or if you have any questions or queries about the Walk & Talks, or any other personal safety concerns, contact Sophie Bimson by email.

How UCL Student Support and Wellbeing can help

If you need some support, make an appointment with one of our caring advisers, or if you live in a UCL hall of residence, speak to one of our Student Residence Advisers.

Sophie Bimson, UCL Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Adviser