Council's White Ribbon accreditation signals strong commitment to ending gender-based violence
St Helens Borough Council has been officially awarded White Ribbon accreditation, demonstrating the authority's firm commitment to ending violence against women and girls and promoting a culture of respect and equality across the borough.
Article date: 25 November 2025
The accreditation recognises organisations that take a strategic, unified approach to challenging misogyny, promoting healthy relationships, and working towards transformational culture change in their staff, systems and communities.
The success comes as the council proudly supports White Ribbon Day (Tuesday 25 November) and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an international campaign - starting today and running till 10 December.
Throughout the 16 days, St Helens Borough Council will back and promote activities that raise awareness, educate communities, and encourage residents to take part in ending all forms of gender-based violence.
And the Steve Prescott Bridge will shine bright white to make residents aware of White Ribbon Day this evening (Tuesday 25 November).
Accreditation sees the completion of a major milestone in the St Helens Domestic Abuse Partnership Strategy 2025-2028, created collaboratively by the Domestic Abuse Partnership Board, which focuses on 'working together to prevent and reduce the harm caused by domestic abuse whilst addressing the underlying attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate it'.
To mark the achievement, members of the Council's Cabinet came together to sign the White Ribbon Promise, pledging to never use, excuse, or remain silent about violence against women and girls. Other local leadership boards will soon follow in taking the collective pledge, including the wider Council and the multi-agency Community Safety Partnership board.
Councillor Trisha Long, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities and Chair of the Community Safety Partnership, said: "Achieving White Ribbon accreditation is an important milestone for St Helens Borough Council. It sends a clear message: violence against women and girls has no place in our borough. By pledging the White Ribbon Promise and supporting 16 Days of Activism, we are strengthening our commitment to creating safer, more respectful communities for everyone."
The council will continue working with partners, community groups, and residents to challenge harmful attitudes, improve support for survivors, and build a culture where gender-based violence is never tolerated.
For more information about the White Ribbon campaign, visit www.WhiteRibbon.org.uk.