Young people in Further Education and Higher Education continue to face gaps in safety support, particularly when travelling to and from campuses, attending off-site activities or navigating their local areas. Despite years of development and adoption, incidents of harassment, assaults, spiking, and other concerning events continue to highlight the urgent need for effective, student-led safety solutions. Many colleges and universities still rely on a mix of campus-only tools, disconnected systems and informal channels, leaving students without a consistent way to report safeguarding concerns or receive time-sensitive information. Incidents often go unreported due to worries about being judged, dismissed, or “making a fuss.”
The Student Safety App (SSA) has been supporting students across the UK since its launch, providing a free, student-led platform designed for everyday use by learners starting in college and progressing onto university. SSA brings together real-time alerts, anonymous reporting and practical safety tools in one trusted, city-wide network used by students, colleges, universities, accommodation providers, councils and local partners.
Former England and Premier League footballer Emile Heskey, a spearhead for the Student Safety App, said:
“The Student Safety App is a social app that allows students to work together and navigate through inner cities and around crime. Students should never have to walk home alone feeling afraid. This app is what they’ve been waiting for – practical, fast and student-focused.”
SSA offers a simple, unified way for students to look after themselves and each other. Reports can be submitted anonymously, with every submission verified by a 24/7 human control team before alerts are shared. The app provides discreet options to record concerns, a quick-access SOS function, live journey tracking for trusted contacts, safe-route information and a built-in “fake call” tool for uncomfortable situations. Students within this safety network also get access to exclusive rewards through partnered retailers.
SSA is entirely free and an admin panel is available for education providers. For FE settings, it supports safeguarding responsibilities by placing guidance, reporting tools and induction materials directly on students’ phones. For universities, it complements existing processes while assisting with obligations such as OfS E6. It also supports preparedness for Martyn’s Law by enabling rapid communication and offering transparent, audit-ready records during events.
The platform also works in partnership with the Barnaby Webber Foundation, created in memory of University of Nottingham student Barnaby Webber. A spokesperson for the Foundation said:
“Barnaby’s father Dave, mother Emma and brother Charlie are very happy to support the Student Safety App – it’s really a no-brainer.”
SSA’s message is clear: remove stigma, simplify reporting and ensure that students are not left without support once they step off campus and afterhours. As incidents continue to affect young people, the app demonstrates that verified information, 24/7 monitoring, and a trusted network are not optional – they are essential. By bringing colleges, universities, and local communities into one shared safety network, SSA continues to set the standard for student safety in the UK.
Learn more at StudentSafetyApp.com
