New 'Safe Space' launched in Worcester
It's aimed at making the city a safer place
Last updated 15th Dec 2023
The Worcester Safe Space has launched today (15/12) with the aim of making the city a safer place for those on a night out.
Worcester BID have teamed up with the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, Worcester City Council, West Mercia Police, Worcester Street Pastors, Worcestershire County Council, Crowngate Shopping Centre, University of Worcester, RTN Medical and Universal to provide a number of free services around the city on a Friday & Saturday night.
Service includes skilled paramedics, mental health support, welfare support, drug and alcohol testing, help to find a taxi, a safe space to wait, security alarms and drink StopTopps, emergency mobile phone charging, a change of clothes and bottles of water.
Worcester BID Chief Executive Samantha McCarthy explains the need for this project:
“Over the last 18 months, we have developed and implemented a night-time strategy to support the city licensed venues via achieving the prestigious Purple Flag accreditation, demonstrating excellence in the evening and night-time economy. Successfully launching the new Safer Nights Pubwatch scheme and carrying out regular audits and public perception surveys to identify key demands and opportunities to help our night-time economy thrive.
The Worcester Safe Space project has been developed through working with city centre partners, identifying the key support required to help with operations for a safe night-time economy. With an established radio and CCTV system in place and dedicated police for the city during the hours of 10pm – 6am, there was a clear need for medical and welfare support.
It is often the case that Friday and Saturday nights are overstretched in hospital A&E departments and with the Safe Space project we aim to divert some of these people to other appropriate services, to reduce pressure on the emergency services.”
The Safe Space vehicle will be stationed at Worcester’s Cornmarket from 10pm to 1.30am then move to Angel Place where it will remain in place until 4am.