DELIVERING
Worcester Safe Space
What is the Worcester Safe Space?
The Worcester Safe Space was introduced on the 15th of December 2023 as a new Worcester BID programme, aimed at providing safer nights for vulnerable individuals. Safe Space is a mobile van that serves as a haven at night, offering first response first aid care, reducing the strain on the NHS in the A&E department during night-time economy hours. Safe Space provides the support required to assure that the community that use our business centre, feels safe and confident in doing so. We work closely with our businesses to ensure that our work assists and elevates operations, with all NTE businesses receiving pathway posters to direct staff to when to call Safe Space. Additionally, it provides a space for support and conversation, as well as access to water and clothing if required, ensuring a safe night out in the city. Worcester BID will provide the Safe Space, with support from West Mercia Police, The University of Worcester, Worcester Street Pastors, and other key organisations.
As seen on BBC and Free Radio
A YEAR IN REVIEW
2629 medical, welfare, enquiries and incidents dealt with in the first year
ยฃ70,623.00 in ambulance conveyance alone, reducing the impact of city operations
Eliminated the need for 137 ambulances, reducing pressure on NHS services
Our Work
The space operates on Friday and Saturday nights between the hours of 10 pm & 4 am,ย as well as supporting other large city events and University of Worcester Welcome Week.
The Safe Space currently operates extra hours on Wednesday nights for Student Night in the City to support the safety of our student community.
Our supporting partners are Worcester City Council, West Mercia Police, University of Worcester and Worcester Street Pastors.
Medic support is located at Safe Space Worcester. Provided by an experienced local medical team, RTN Medical, Safe Space supports the triage of individuals using the city. Our aim is to reduce the strain on business operations and on the A&E by addressing those who require medical attention within the city, allowing minor injuries to be dealt with at the Safe Space, and reducing the impact of the city centre.
Our paramedic team can also test for drugs and alcohol, improving our triaging processes. Mental health support will also be available.
Safe Space is supported by the Worcester Street Pastors, who provide welfare support. Further to this, Safe Space has facilities to give people a safe space to wait, a change of clothes and bottled water. We welcome individuals to sit with us if they ever feel unsafe, for example, whilst looking for friends or waiting for a taxi home so they are not alone.
To ensure that patrons of the nighttime economy are cared for and get home safe, Worcester Safe Space offers taxi finder support, security alarms, drink stop tops and mobile phone charging.
“I got that dreaded call last night but was immediately reassured by the Safe Space Team that my daughter was safe and they would stay with her until i collect her” ~ Worcester Parent
January Evening Operation Times
The dates below show when Safe Space will be on our streets during the NTE.
Download the helpful poster to your phone to help you remember where the van is and at what time!
NEW YEARS EVE (1ST AM)
Friday 3RD
Saturday 4TH
Wednesday 8TH
Friday 10TH
Saturday 11TH
Wednesday 15TH
Friday 17TH
Saturday 18TH
Wednesday 22ND
Friday 24TH
Saturday 25TH
Wednesday 29TH
Friday 31ST
How can my business support Worcester Safe Space?
Personal bottles of water
Tea/coffee/sugar/powdered milk
Plain biscuits
Tissues/Kitchen roll
Medium bin liners
Cleaning products - disinfectant, rubber gloves, buckets
Female hygiene products
Hair ties
Charging devices for Android/iPhone
Clothing: basic T-shirts, jogging bottoms, leggings (S/M/L/XL)
