About

VigilAuntie is a free app published by the charity Right to Resist, registered in England & Wales number 1201092. The app has been developed under the guidance of Lord John Stevens, former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. Its launch at Newcastle University in September 2025, is led by Em Beattie with volunteers Jasmin, Sofia, Sophie and Sunni, whose support and commitment is hugely appreciated.

Look out for each other, even when you’re apart

Downloading the app and spreading the word about VigilAuntie will not only do good for you and your local community, but for society as a whole. The more active users VigilAuntie has, the less likely it is for an incident to take place through fear of repercussions for perpetrators.

Support VigilAuntie

VigilAuntie relies on donations to provide its services free of charge. All donations, no matter how small, help our mission and are greatly appreciated.

Our People

  • Belinda Speir, Chair and co-founder

    Belinda’s early career in teaching was where her passion to protect vulnerable people began.

    Belinda saw an opportunity to tackle harassment, violence and unwanted behaviour on a widespread basis when, in a conversation with app developer Tod, the concept of VigilAuntie was created.

  • Jane Gibson, Trustee

    Jane has been a solicitor since 1994, now working as a director at Gibson & Co. Solicitors Limited.

    Her area of expertise is commercial disputes, including advising on a wide range of problems in connection with financial transactions. This is her first appointment as a trustee and she is keen to see the charity going from strength to strength.

  • Anna Blackett, Trustee

    Anna has lived in rural Northumberland for the last 40 years running her own business. She has always been involved in the local community and has been a trustee of varying organisations including the Community Foundation of Tyne and Wear and Northumberland.

  • Lord John Stevens, Patron

    Lord John Stevens joined the Met as a constable, moving up the ranks to become Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police in 2000. He headed several high-profile official enquiries, investigated anti-terrorism matters on three continents, and lectured at the City University, New York. He also led the official 2005 inquiry into the deaths of Princess Diana and Dodi al-Fayed.

  • Tod Yeadon, Co Founder & Manager

    Tod is a creator of innovative applications. In the 1980s he worked in the record industry, and went on to achieve many ‘firsts’, including being the first to run on-screen ads at Gatwick Airport.

    The idea for a personal safety app came out of a conversation with Belinda; with the rights of VigilAuntie assigned to the charity named Right to Resist, founded by them both.

  • David Pope, Treasurer

    University of Durham, Chartered fellow of the Securities and Investment Institute. David worked for Brewin Dolphin in the Newcastle office for over a decade. Been involved with volunteering for many years particularly in promoting sports.

  • Em Beattie, Brand Ambassador

    Em is a student at Newcastle University studying Geography. Her passion for social justice and creating safe environments drew her to working for VigilAuntie. Em has developed key marketing skills from various work experiences and internships. She is keen to see the success of Vigil Auntie and the positive impact it will make.