Purple chairs are being installed in libraries across Somerset to provide a beacon of safety for women and girls.

The “Purple Chair Scheme” will aim to provide safe spaces for women and girls across the county to get information about health and wellbeing, along with support and resources to help with any difficult circumstances.

Antenatal, postnatal, and other pregnancy advice; breast cancer support; health visiting service queries; gambling advice; cervical screening advice; help with gambling, smoking, or other addictions; domestic abuse, anti-social behaviour, and harassment help will all be available through the scheme.

The chairs will also be accompanied with information packs that will be helpful for all, irrespective of gender or identity, and everyone is welcomed to access information, signposting, and support at all Somerset Libraries.

The scheme has been funded as part of the Home Office “Safer Streets” programme, and also aids the Safer Somerset Partnership which aims to address impactful local crime and protect victims of abuse and violent crime.

Councillor Adam Dance, Lead Member for Public Health, Equalities and Diversity, said: "We hope this space will provide an environment where women and girls can easily access health and wellbeing information and signposting in a familiar and comfortable setting.

“We hope the Purple Chair initiative is something people talk about and share with family, friends, and within their communities."

The chairs, information packs, as well as selections of books chosen by library staff will be found in the following libraries: Bridgwater, Chard, Frome, Glastonbury, Taunton, Williton, and Yeovil.