Green spaces are vital for our health, wellbeing, and communities, but for many people, harassment in parks and public spaces can make them feel unsafe and excluded. The Safer Parks: Stand Up Against Street Harassment campaign is helping to change this by empowering individuals to take action and make green spaces safer and more welcoming for everyone.
The campaign, running from 17th September to 15th October 2025, is a partnership between the University of Leeds, Keep Britain Tidy, and the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. Over four weeks, it aims to build a community of active bystanders who feel confident intervening safely when they witness harassment. To support this, the campaign provides free resources including posters, guidance, and training to empower individuals and organisations to make a difference.
TEP is proud to be supporting this initiative and earlier this year, staff members attended Active Bystander Training delivered by Keep Britain Tidy and the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. The training equips participants with the tools and confidence to intervene safely, reinforcing TEP’s commitment to creating inclusive and welcoming environments.
Active Bystander Training introduces the internationally recognised 5Ds approach: Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, and Direct. These strategies help people act safely and effectively when they see harassment occurring. For example, creating a distraction can interrupt harassment without confrontation, while seeking help from someone nearby or reporting the incident can provide support safely. Recording the situation helps provide evidence if needed, checking in afterward with the person affected offers reassurance, and addressing the harasser directly is an option when it is safe to do so. Feedback from the training has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants reporting increased confidence and feeling empowered to act as active bystanders.
Harassment in parks affects everyone’s sense of safety and enjoyment. By participating in training, displaying campaign posters, or sharing resources, communities can help make green spaces safer, more inclusive, and welcoming for all.
Read more about the campaign, and access free resources here.
