A community-led campaign for a formal safeguarding protocol in retail spaces to protect all children in Bristol.

 

In Bristol, a teenager's cry for help was met with an appalling failure of safeguarding. Seeking refuge in a major retail store to escape a group of bullies, she believed she was stepping into a "safe haven." However, this belief quickly turned into a nightmare. Instead of being protected, she found herself back outside the store while still in distress. Left unsupported, she was brutally attacked and hospitalised.

This is a wake-up call for our community. We are moving forward as "ask4m" to ensure all children are never left to face a potentially harmful situation alone. Our mission is built on four pillars:

1. Mandatory change: The legal results we want for the law.

2. Mercy: The heart and compassion for the victims.

3. Movement: The power of Bristol coming together.

4. Mazie: The brave girl who started it all.

As concerned parents of Bristol residents, we are united in our pursuit of ensuring that such a failure of safeguarding does not repeat itself. We believe our retail spaces should act as safe havens for all children in our community in their time of danger.

We propose the introduction of the "ask4m" code in all Bristol retail stores. Under this system, any child feeling threatened can approach store staff and use the code to discreetly ask for help and protection. This initiative is about ensuring that all children are protected and never left to face a potentially harmful situation alone after seeking help in a place of sanctuary.

This is about instilling a sense of responsibility and compassion in the spaces we frequent daily. We need the cooperation of store management, security personnel, and retail staff to explore how we can make this vision a reality. It is vital that we work together to transform our shops into true safe havens where the safety of all children is prioritised unconditionally.

We urge local government officials, retail store owners, and security companies to support the "ask4m" mission. This is a local campaign for our city. We need the signatures of those who live, work, or study in Bristol to show the Council that our community demands action. Together, we can create a system that upholds the safety and well-being of all children. Sign this petition to make a compelling case for change and ensure that tragedies like this never happen again in our beloved community. The safety of our children cannot wait.

Lead Campaigner: Stacey Bray