This week Worcester BID took to Broad Street daily from 10 am to 4 pm, offering insights into Safe Space from the Worcester BID and Safe Space medic team. Residents and visitors were encouraged to drop by and engage.
Sam McCarthy, CEO of Worcester BID, said “We were delighted to witness the community actively engaging, asking questions about our services, and leaving more informed during the action week. We trust they’ll spread the word that Safe Space is free and available to all, especially to friends and family visiting Worcester at night.”
Safe Space is a vehicle that typically operates in the nighttime economy on a Friday and Saturday night between the hours of 10 pm and 4 am. The dedicated team provide free, no judgment, medical and welfare support to all. Safe Space has now assisted with 451 cases, ranging from medical traumas to getting someone home safely and has received great feedback from those who have used it and their families.
On Monday Safe Space showcased alongside Neighbourhood Matters, a West Mercia Police initiative and knife collection points manned by West Mercia SNTs as part of the national police force programme, Operation Sceptre. Last year Operation Sceptre year removed 9,737 knives from our streets across England and Wales – something partners are hoping to emulate this year with intensified action and coordinated education on knife crime across forces.
This week of outreach aligned with national action weeks, Dementia Action Week & Mental Health Awareness Week. The presence of Safe Space in the daytime trade aimed to support the city’s day traders and visitors with any medical or welfare needs, but also to shine a light on work surrounding the city’s efforts in becoming more accessible to those with disabilities such as dementia.
A variety of events and activities were also hosted at The Hive this week to raise awareness and decrease the stigma around dementia.
More information regarding accessibility in the city can be found via Accessible (https://www.accessable.co.uk/worcester-city-council), a free online platform that details accessibility guides and venues in the area.
