Basildon Council is hosting a conference to address safety concerns for women and girls at the Towngate Theatre in Basildon, Essex, on Friday, 6 March 2026. The event brings together local residents, safety experts, and community groups to talk about ways to make the borough a safer place. People who attend can get safety advice and meet local support services between 9:30 am and 1:00 pm.
The meeting follows a decision made by the council on 12 February 2026 to spend £70,000 on specific projects to help protect women and girls. This money is being used to strengthen safety measures across the borough, including the “Make Space for Girls” project, alongside existing initiatives such as the community wardens who patrol the town centre. The council hopes to use feedback from the conference to help decide how these new safety plans will work.
Local work to improve safety is guided by the Women’s Safety Forum, which is led by Councillor Emma Callaghan. Councillor Victoria Joseph, who is the council’s domestic violence champion, also serves as the vice-chair of the group. They are working together to make sure that the voices of local women are at the heart of new safety rules and initiatives.
Council leader Gavin Callaghan has said that the authority is taking more direct control of safety measures to support the community. This conference is part of a wider effort that includes a local safety charter designed to make everyone feel more secure in public spaces. The event is an opportunity for residents to speak directly with those in charge of these safety changes.
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