A mobile safe space for people on a night out in Bristol city centre is to be trialled for the first time this weekend in an attempt to reduce the amount of violence against women and girls – after a police chief’s niece was stuck waiting for a bus for hours and was continually approached by men.
The pilot ‘Safe Space’ initiative will make sure people who might need support have somewhere safe to go, and create a secure area where individuals can seek help, wait safely for friends or family and access support services if needed. It will be run by volunteers from 9pm to 6am and provide a range of services that include everything from emotional support to first aid and somewhere to charge your phone.
The pilot is being trialled on Friday and Saturday night this weekend and has been put together by the Bristol City Centre BID team in conjunction with Avon and Somerset police.
It will operate from a mobile unit near the Alcohol Recovery Centre in central Bristol, and if it is proved to be successful and needed, could become a permanent feature of the night-time environment in the city centre.
“This pilot is a critical step in understanding and assisting with the need for a safe, welcoming environment for those who may feel vulnerable at night in Bristol’s city centre,” said Vicky Lee, the director of Bristol City Centre BID. “With the support of our community partners, we hope to make a meaningful difference, particularly in reducing incidents against women and girls,” she added.
Venue staff and security teams in Bristol’s night-time economy are being encouraged to point people in the direction of the Safe Space, which will be located near the ARC unit on The Centre, and direct those in need to the unit for assistance. It will complement the Alcohol Recovery Centre, which is a place to go for people who are in need of medical support – the Safe Space is more ‘wellbeing-focused’.
“We have been collaborating with Bristol BID on this project for some time now and are thrilled to be able to launch the pilot,” said Det Sgt Emily Welch, of Avon and Somerset Police. “I initially had the idea after my niece went on a night out in Bristol and had to wait for hours at the bus station for the next bus to turn up while being regularly approached by men. After seeing similar initiatives prove successful in other big cities, we believe providing a temporary safe space for members of the public can also make a difference in our city, with its two universities and thriving nightlife,” she added.