Unprecedented demand has seen the University of Lincoln Students’ Union order more personal safety alarms for students.
One hundred alarms were given out by SU leaders at the Gateaway Accommodation on Wednesday, April 21.
Demand for personal safety alarms increased following the death of Sarah Everard.
Lucy Krogdahl, Vice President for Wellbeing and Community, said: “Obviously, around the world there has been a lot of discussion about women’s safety, it’s not a new thing.
“We want our students’ to feel safe. And this is something that is not just to make them feel safe in Lincoln, but everywhere.
“We listened to how they were feeling and Millie, who is our women’s officer, purchased the alarms to give out for free based on feedback.
“We are doing lots of other things to support students; we have had feedback about students’ wanting measures in place, and we are listening to them on that.”
The death of Sarah Everard, who was killed after going missing in London in March, has fuelled the demand for them, as well as raising the question about the safety of women on the streets again.
A peaceful protest was held on Lincoln High Street following her death, where women were encouraged to share their experiences of sexual harassment and assault.
The alarms are one of several projects that the Students’ Union are currently working on to help ensure the safety of all students.
“As an SU we have been working on larger safety projects for a while now, and not just as an SU but also with the University, the council and local MP’s.
“The big one of these is streetlights. It’s something that we have been pushing for.
“We just want to listen to students’ and make everything as good as possible for them.
“The Sarah Everard case did mean that there was lot more focus put on it, both nationally and internationally.”
One female student, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I think it is really good the SU are listening to feedback, especially on such an important matter.
“The death of Sarah Everard affected a lot of female students, so doing small things like this will help them feel a lot safer.”
As a result of the high demand, they will be ordering more. If you would like to put in a request for one, you can email help@lincolnsu.com.
