Strut Safe launches world’s first ‘Strut Stop’ as over 75% of people say they feel unsafe walking home alone at night

Strut Safe, the volunteer-run phone line that helps people feel safer on their journey home, is launching the UK’s first ‘Strut Stop’, a new initiative sign-posting safe waiting spaces for anyone heading home late at night.

The first locations will be at Morley’s Stockwell and Dalston Junction.

The launch of the ‘Strut Stop’ comes as new research from Strut Safe’s community reveals the wide scale of concern for getting home safely: 77% of respondents say they feel unsafe walking home alone at night, while 94% have changed or cancelled plans because of safety concerns.

Nearly all respondents (94%) said they would feel more comfortable waiting inside a food outlet than standing on the street, a simple insight that inspired the launch of the very first Strut Stop.

A further 93% have stayed out longer than intended on a night out so they had someone to go home with.

The Strut Stop is launching its first locations in Morley’s Stockwell and Dalston Junction as the volunteer-run phone-line urges other late-night food outlets and takeaways across the UK to sign up and become Strut Stops, helping to expand the network of safe waiting spaces for those heading home late at night.

The first Strut Stop is launching as a trial in partnership with Morley’s, with the Stockwell and Dalston Junction site chosen due to its extended late-night opening hours (11am – 4am Wednesday to Sunday), making it an ideal location to pilot the initiative and support people travelling home late at night.

Launched on 29th January 2026, anyone in need of somewhere to wait whilst calling a taxi, waiting for a lift, or arranging a safe way home is welcome to wait inside either Morley’s Stockwell or Dalston Junction, without any commitment to purchase.

The launch of the ‘Strut Stop kicks off to raise awareness of Strut Safe’s newly expanded service which now also includes Thursday evenings, ensuring even more people have someone to turn to when getting home.

The data also reveals how frequently people rely on public spaces like takeaways when feeling unsafe. 87% said they’ve already waited inside a food outlet or public place until they felt comfortable to leave.

The Strut Stop aims to make late-night journeys less stressful by offering a well-lit, non-judgemental space inside familiar late-night venues.

There’s no expectation to make a purchase, and staff are not required to engage; the focus is simply on providing a safe, well-lit place for people to pause before heading home.

Laur Convey at Strut Safe says:

“So many people change their behaviour to feel safe. Our research shows 77% of our social community feel unsafe walking home alone and 96% have pretended to be on the phone or taken a longer route just to feel safer.

“The Strut Stop offers a simple, well-lit space in familiar late-night venues, where anyone can pause to wait for a taxi or just take a minute before heading home without any expectation to buy anything.

Knowing there are spaces like this nearby can make all the difference, and we hope other venues follow suit.”

Shan Selvendran, Co-owner of Morley’s Fried Chicken says,

“Morley’s has always been about more than the best fried chicken in London. From the after-school rush to the late-night crowd, our shops are places people know, trust and love, making them the very fabric of the city we’re in.

Partnering with Strut Safe to give people a safe place to wait for a taxi or a friend, feels like an extension of the services we hope we already bring and continues our commitment to looking after the communities we serve.”

Anyone needing support on their journey home can also call the free Strut Safe phone line on 0333 335 0026, open Thursdays between 19:00-01.00, Fridays and Saturdays, 19:00 – 03:00, and Sundays, 19:00 – 01:00, to be connected with a volunteer who will stay on the line until they reach home safely.

For venues interested in offering a ‘Strut Stop’ please contact:

The Strut Safe team via [email protected]

The Heard team: [email protected]

About Strut Safe

Strut Safe is a volunteer-run, non-judgemental phone line created to help anyone feel safer on their journey home at night.

Founded in the UK, the service connects callers with trained volunteers who stay on the line until they reach their destination safely. Whether you’re walking, taking public transport or waiting for a lift, Strut Safe offers a real human voice at the other end of the phone — providing reassurance, comfort, and practical support.

Strut Safe operates late at night on weekends, when people often feel most vulnerable. It’s free, inclusive, and available to anyone over 18.

Strut Safe line: 0333 335 0026

Strut Safe line opening times:

Thursdays: 19:00-01.00,

Fridays & Saturdays: 19:00 – 03:00

Sundays: 19:00 – 01:00