New scheme provides safe spaces for women and girls across North Somerset

4:00pm - 04 December 2023
A photo of a purple chair in a library that has a purple cushion and purple ring binder folder on it. Both the cushion and folder have a logo on that says 'The Purple Chair' with a picture of a purple chair on it.

Purple chairs are being installed in libraries across North Somerset to provide a clear beacon of safety for women and girls.

The ‘Purple Chair Scheme’ provides a safe space for women and girls to access information about health and wellbeing, as well as support and resources available to them in whatever circumstances they find themselves in. This may be when someone is experiencing domestic or racial abuse, or addiction issues.

The launch coincides with this year’s 16 Days of Action campaign to end gender-based violence. The campaign started on Saturday 25 November, White Ribbon Day and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until Sunday 10 December, Human Rights Day.

Purple chairs and information packs can be found in the following libraries across North Somerset: Clevedon, Pill, Portishead, Winscombe, Worle, Weston-super-Mare (For All Healthy Living Centre, The Campus and Weston Central Library) and Yatton. An information pack can also be found in Nailsea library and on the council’s mobile library.

Purple Chair Scheme logo stickers are on display in the windows of participating libraries to promote the scheme and signpost women and girls to seek help inside. Library staff have also carefully chosen a selection of books for display in the health and wellbeing section.

Councillor James Clayton, North Somerset Council’s executive member for safety in the community, said: “I’d like everyone to talk about the launch of the Purple Chair Scheme. Let’s make sure that every woman and girl in North Somerset knows about this vital initiative. As well as a safe place to go, they will be able to find essential signposting information, a booklist of helpful reading, access the internet or even a telephone if they need to call for help or support.

“In our work to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), we’re fully committed to changing behaviour and increasing the feeling of safety for women and girls. I believe that the Purple Chair Scheme is a positive step forward.”

The Purple Chair Scheme replaces any previous safe space schemes for women and girls in North Somerset. While men and boys aren’t the primary audience, the information pack does provide information for everyone, regardless of gender or identity.

Find out more about the scheme at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/purplechair.