Safety Tips for Women in the City

Living in a city can be exciting and full of opportunities. It also comes with moments that can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to the city. At Girls On The Go, we believe in making city life feel safer, more connected, and more supportive. Here are some practical women's safety tips that apply to anyone living in the city, with specific guidance for women in Liverpool, Manchester, and Birmingham.

Getting Around Safely

• Transport: Always choose licensed taxis or trusted ride-hailing apps. In Liverpool and Manchester, black cabs are a reliable option, and in Birmingham, stick to licensed taxi ranks. On public transport, try to sit near the driver or in busier sections, especially late at night. See Merseytravel for Liverpool services, TfGM for Manchester, and NX Bus for Birmingham.

• Walking: Stick to well-lit routes and main roads. Share your live location with a friend if walking home after dark. When possible, walk with others from your event or arrange to travel together.

• Night Buses: All three cities run night buses on main routes. Checking these official providers ensures you know your options in advance.

Staying Connected

• Carry a portable charger or power bank so your phone never dies on the way home.

• Share your ETA with a friend before leaving an event. Apps like WhatsApp and iMessage make it easy to share your live location.

• Have a “check in” buddy. Let someone know when you arrive home safely.

• Be the "check in" buddy. Check up on your friends who you know are traveling alone.

Social Safety

• Meet new people in public spaces first. Our GOTG communities are a great way to connect with women in a safe women-only community.

• When on a night out, keep an eye on your drink, have a buddy system with friends, and plan your route home before heading out.

• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it is always okay to leave, but remember to let someone you trust know your plans.

Personal Security Basics

• Essentials to carry: phone, keys, ID, bank card or emergency cash.

• Consider carrying a personal safety alarm or a keychain tool for added peace of mind.

• Stay alert when walking alone. Keep headphone volume low so you remain aware of your surroundings.

Digital Safety

• Avoid sharing your real-time location on social media.

• Check your privacy settings regularly and keep accounts locked down if possible.

• Be cautious about sharing personal details in public forums or groups.

• GOTG have dedicated WhatsApp group communities and women-only chats, but it is still important to be careful about sharing your live location or personal details in the public spaces.

Emergency Contacts and Support

• Emergency: Dial 999 if you are in danger or need immediate help.

• Non-Emergency Police: Call 101 for reporting issues that are not urgent.

• Support in your city:

  • Liverpool: Liverpool Domestic Abuse Service and RASA Merseyside provide specialist support. You can also contact Tomorrow’s Women Wirral and Amadudu for additional local help.

  • Manchester: Manchester Rape Crisis and Manchester Women's Aid offer free help and guidance. Other local services include Safety4Sisters and Trafford Rape Crisis.

  • Birmingham: RSVP West Midlands and Birmingham & Solihull Women's Aid are trusted local organisations. Additional options include Anawim (supporting women across Birmingham) and Baobab Women’s Project.

• Helplines: The 24/7 National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available on 0808 2000 247. The Rape Crisis national helpline is 0808 500 2222. You can also call Samaritans anytime on 116 123 for free, confidential emotional support.

Safety Apps to Try

• Epowar: A women’s safety app that detects distress and can automatically alert your chosen contacts.

• Strut Safe: A free UK-based service where trained volunteers stay on the phone with you as you walk home at night.

Building Safe Communities

The most powerful safety tool is connection. Walking with friends after an event, joining a club, or being part of a supportive group can make city life feel easier. That is why GOTG exists, to bring women together and make cities feel safer, friendlier, and more welcoming.

Final Thoughts

Living in Liverpool, Manchester, and Birmingham should feel exciting, not intimidating. By staying prepared, knowing your options, and leaning on community, you can feel more confident navigating your city. Share these safety tips for women living in the city and remember that you are never alone.

At Girls On The Go, we focus on building spaces where community, safety and accessibility are always at the centre. If you are in Liverpool, Manchester or Birmingham, you are part of a network of women who look out for one another. Together we can make our cities safer and more welcoming for all women.