A volunteer group that has helped thousands of women get home safely after nights out in Middlesbrough has launched an urgent fundraising appeal, warning that it needs financial support to continue operating.
Women’s Street Watch Middlesbrough, founded by Bethany McLean in 2021, provides weekend patrols across the town centre, offering practical support including first aid, welfare assistance, anti-spiking equipment, and help for vulnerable people travelling home safely. The organisation has become a familiar presence in Middlesbrough’s night-time economy, with trained volunteers patrolling on Saturday evenings.
And Women’s Street Watch Middlesbrough now needs public support to secure its future. It has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help cover its running costs and ensure patrols can continue.
The appeal comes after three years of existence in which the organisation has expanded beyond street patrols. Alongside its weekend safety work, Women’s Street Watch has delivered awareness sessions on violence against women and girls, worked with schools and colleges, and organised community events providing food and essential household items to local families.
The organisation’s work has previously been recognised nationally. In 2023, founder Bethany McLean received a UK Government Points of Light Award for her contribution to community safety, recognising the impact of the volunteer-led initiative.
Women’s Street Watch has also received support from local grant programmes in the past, including funding through the Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner’s Community Safety Initiative, which recognised the group’s role in reducing pressure on emergency services and helping prevent violence against women and girls.
Despite that support, the organisation says continued funding is essential if it is to remain on the streets helping vulnerable people.
Those wishing to support the appeal or make a donation can do so through the group’s crowdfunding page:
Women’s Street Watch Middlesbrough Crowdfunder
The group is also encouraging local businesses and residents to share the appeal to help ensure its volunteer patrols can continue supporting women across Middlesbrough’s night-time economy.
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