Reclaim the Night Blackpool 2023

As part of Blackpool's #ItStopshere movement to end gender-based violence, the Empowering Change project will be closing the 16 days of activism with our very own Reclaim the Night demonstration. These marches started in Leeds in 1977 following the police's response to the "Yorkshire Ripper" being instructing women to stay out of public spaces after dark. Women demanded that public spaces should be safe for anyone to be, irrelevant of gender. They have since taken place up and down the country demonstrating for an end to rape and violence against women more broadly. The aim is to raise awareness, provide a space for women and girls to voice their concerns about safety in Blackpool as well as for the town to show their support for a kinder and safer community for everyone. This is a family friendly event, all ages and genders are welcome.

We will be marching through the town center making as much noise as possible! To make sure we are heard, bring your banners and instruments along! If you would like a banner making workshop, please put in a request at [email protected].

Schedule for the evening

• 6pm-6:15pm: Marchers gather at Cedar square
• 6:15pm: There will be a range of speakers at Upside down coffee
• 6:30-45pm: March sets off towards the promenade
• 7:00-7:15pm: Arrive back to Cedar square
• 7:15pm – 8pm: Hot drinks and networking at Upside down coffee

Stay tuned on the Empowerment Charity social media pages for further updates!

Want to do more than just attend? Get involved and show your support through volunteering for the campaign!

We have some opportunities available for passionate volunteers to take on a variety of volunteering roles to help at the Reclaim the Night event and further Empowering Change activities. Some of the opportunities include:

• Being a march steward, ensuring attendees are safe during the march. Stewards will be invited to attend a one-hour training session prior to the march. A day time session will take place on Wednesday the 6th and an evening session on Thursday the 7th of December.
• Promoting the march by delivering leaflets and putting up posters.
• Helping to run Empowering Change events, such as workshops, pop ups and banner making sessions!

Whatever your interest or skills, we need your help! If you would like to get involved email: [email protected]

The event will be followed by an Empowering Change coffee morning Friday the 15th where we will continue the conversation and the momentum of this movement!

Get support

If you have been affected by sexual harassment or assault, it’s important to remember it wasn’t your fault. Any form of sexual harassment, misconduct or assault is never acceptable.

If you or someone you know wants to access support following an incident of sexual harassment or assault, you can access support from the services below:

Local organisations

• Lancashire Victims services - Phone: 0300 323 0085 Website: lancashirevictimservices.org
• Fylde Coast Women’s Aid - Website: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/ (Also offer male IDVA support)
• The DEN - Phone: 0300 32 32 100 (option 3) Website https://empowermentcharity.org.uk/the-den/ (CYP ages 4-17)
• Blackpool Women’s Centre - Phone: 0300 330 1354. Website https://lancashirewomen.org/
• Birchall Trust Support for those effected by rape or sexual abuse - Phone: 07860025347. Website: https://www.birchalltrust.org.uk/
• Blackpool NHS Sexual Violence Advisors - Website: bfwh.nhs.uk/our-services/sexual-abuse-support/

National organisations

• Trust House - Phone: 01772 825288. Website: trusthouselancs.org
• Galop - National LGBT+ Abuse - Helpline. Phone: 0207 704 2040. Website: https://galop.org.uk/

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Upside down Coffee, 28 Edward St, Blackpool, United Kingdom