Built by Students, for Students
The social impact project, the Student Safety App, is the world’s first crowdsourced safety platform. Former England International footballer Emile Heskey spearheads the initiative and is completely free for all students and universities, with no in-app purchases.
Why Student Safety App
In June 2023, Nottingham sadly faced the tragic deaths of Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, both student at the University of Nottingham. Their loss, along with that of Arjun Singh Nijjar, Benita Kaur Gill, and Sophie Goode, who also passed away while studying in Nottingham, has profoundly affected the student community.
Since these terrible attacks, research has indicated a significant prevalence of violence, including sexual violence and harassment, experienced by students at UK universities. Whilst there have only been limited numbers of studies in the area of violence or criminality towards students, the following paints a picture that gives cause for concern:
A 2011 study (often associated with NUS’s Hidden Marks survey) found that 25 % of female students experienced some sexual assault, and 7 % experienced rape or attempted rape while at university
Revolt Sexual Assault surveyed 4,500 students across 153 UK institutions (Revolt Sexual Assault’s poll) revealed that 62 % of students experienced sexual violence, including: 70 % of female students, 48 % of whom reported actual sexual assault 73 % of disabled students, 54 % of whom reported sexual assault.
The Office for National Statistics Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW, YE June 2024) reported that: Young people (aged 16–23) consistently report higher rates of both violent and hate crimes, a demographic that predominantly includes university students.
We believe there is potential for a broader, nationwide conversation around the safety of young people in higher education. The application would act as a facilitator for students to keep each other safe. It was created by students, for students.
THE 24/7 CONTROL CENTRE
Meet the Team
Emile Heskey
The former Leicester, Aston Villa, Birmingham, and England striker is leading the development of the new Student Safety App.
With over 500 appearances across the Football League and Premier League during an 18-year professional career, as well as representing England on the international stage, Heskey brings his leadership and passion for community impact to this initiative.
Alongside his role as Head of Women’s Football Development at Leicester City Women, Heskey is committed to the positive change the app can bring to university communities across the UK. He believes the conversation around student safety deserves greater attention, especially in light of rising crime rates.
Heskey said, “This app is not just a piece of tech – it’s a tribute to lives lost, and a promise to the students that their safety matters.” He added, “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.”
Eloise Paling
Eloise Paling, a recent Business Management and Entrepreneurship graduate from Nottingham Trent University, joined the Student Safety App initiative out of a deeply personal experience with feeling isolated and unsure during her early university years.
“During my first year at Nottingham Trent University, I had no idea what was around, especially being a commuter,” Eloise explained. “I had no idea what clubs were safe, what was a good way to get home or who to trust. It wasn’t until the end of my second year that I had the chance to go out, as I met other students willing to help me, but I feel like I wasted a good portion of my time at university not experiencing it. I don’t want someone else to go through what I did. You should be able to know exactly where to go and what’s safe right away.”
Her story is one shared by many students who feel disconnected, particularly those who commute or come from outside the city. By joining the Student Safety App team, Eloise aims to empower new students with the tools she wishes she had, providing real-time safety alerts, local insights, and a connected community at the touch of your fingertips that makes university life feel safer and more accessible from day one.
Monica Ghuman
Monica Ghuman is a recent graduate from Nottingham Trent University, where she achieved a First Class Honours in BA (Hons) Business Management and Entrepreneurship.
After transferring directly into her second year at Nottingham Trent University, Monica experienced the culture shock of not only changing universities, but also moving to a different country, particularly in how crime, violence, and student safety are handled.
“As NTU is based in the city centre of Nottingham, I wasn’t used to being surrounded by crime so frequently. I didn’t like finding out about events involving other students through the media, rather than being informed by my university or peers.”
Monica chose to join the Student Safety App initiative because she feels that universities do not provide enough tools to ensure students can enjoy university life while also feeling supported and secure.
“Many universities only provide an email address or phone number to report safety and security concerns. There’s no briefing to help students understand the city around them. I believe the student community should be helping each other stay safe, and the app acts as a facilitator to bring the student community closers.”
Rebecca O'Malley
Rebecca O’Malley recently graduated from the University of Leeds where she studied Media and Communications and is responsible for social media and marketing for the Student Safety App.
Originally from Devon, moving to a large city for university was a big adjustment. Being in a busy urban environment highlighted how different student life can feel when you’re not used to the pace, size, and safety challenges of a major city.
“I wasn’t used to living in such a large city. During my time at university, I sometimes wished there was an easier way for students to stay informed about safety and look out for one another.”
Through managing social media and sharing safety-focused content, Rebecca helps start conversations about what safety means to different students and why accessible tools and communication are so important.
“I wish something like the Student Safety App had existed during my time at university. It would have made it easier to stay informed, share information with friends, and feel more connected to the student community.”
Rebecca joined the Student Safety App initiative to help ensure future students feel more supported and aware while navigating university life in new cities.