Initiative launched to help people get home safely in Edinburgh
The charity street assist will work with Edinburgh Central Taxis - with a £1000 fund available when lone females require a safe route home
A new initiative to help "vulnerable lone females" get home in Edinburgh has been launched.
The charity street assist operate in the city centre on a Friday and Saturday night.
Volunteers there have teamed up with Edinburgh Central Taxis to make sure those enjoying a night out in the Capital end their night the right way.
17 Taxis operated by Central Taxis will now have Street Assist Edinburgh information on their tip seats to highlight the work of the charity and how to make contact if people become vulnerable on a night out.
Approximately 25% of those helped by Street Assist Edinburgh are lone females, often found in very vulnerable situations with no means of getting home safely.
Street Assist Edinburgh usually contacts family or friends to collect individuals found alone but this can be challenging given the hours of operation.
Alongside the advertising campaign, a new £1000 discretionary fund will be made available to Street Assist Edinburgh to access when vulnerable lone females require a safe route home or to a place of safety.
Street Assist founder Neil Logan said: "Street Assist are delighted to be partnering with Central Taxis on this unique initiative. Taxi Drivers are an additional set of eyes on the ground to help us identify vulnerability earlier and this Partnership will help us to achieve this. This new initiative will also support us get people home safely or to further medical assistance, with a focus on Woman’s Safety in particular."
Commenting on the partnership, Central Taxis committee spokesperson Haydn Carr-Pollock said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Street Assist and helping raise awareness of this great charity. Our drivers are often seen as a lifeline for vulnerable individuals who may require additional support or assistance; so, we’re proud to support such an important cause.”