Two Local Pubs Join New Safe Haven Scheme
The Prince of Wales and the King's head offering temporary refuge
Cllr Henderson (right) in one of the pubs becoming a safe haven. Picture: Ewan Michael Riley
November 12, 2025
Two local pubs, The Prince of Wales pub in Putney and the King’s Head in Roehampton are among the first to take part in a new Safe Haven initiative.
The scheme has been launched by Wandsworth Council in partnership with the Safer Business Network, aimed at providing temporary places of safety across the borough for anyone feeling threatened, unwell or in need of assistance. It is part of the council’s wider commitment to tackling violence against women and girls.
Local businesses have responded positively, leading to a growing list of locations where trained staff can offer support such as calling a taxi or emergency services, providing water, or helping someone charge their phone.
John Busuioc, deputy manager of the King’s Head, said, “We are proud to join the Safe Haven scheme and welcome its positive impact on our community. Our participation demonstrates a clear commitment to work in partnership with the council, keeping people safe, supported, and connected when they need it most.”
Participating venues display the Safe Haven logo in their windows or on noticeboards, making them easily identifiable to anyone seeking help. The scheme is also integrated into the WalkSafe+ app, which highlights Safe Haven locations and offers features such as journey sharing, timed alerts, and an SOS button.
Cabinet Member for Health, Cllr Graeme Henderson, said, “Wandsworth is the safest inner London borough, but we recognise there are times that people, especially women and girls, might feel concerned about their safety or insecure. This scheme enables our community to have a place of safety where they can easily get help from some of the local businesses that are such an important part of our community.”
The Safe Haven programme complements other council-led initiatives to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls, including Active Bystander training, the monthly Safe Space at Clapham Junction, and specialist support services for survivors of domestic abuse.
Residents are also invited to join the White Ribbon Torch Parade in Roehampton on 25 November, organised by the SW15 Women’s Network and supported by the council, to show solidarity with women and raise awareness of gender-based violence.
A full list of Safe Haven venues and details on how businesses can join the scheme are available at wandsworth.gov.uk/safe-havens.
For information on upcoming events and training, visit wandsworth.gov.uk/vawg-events.
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