Images via Chester’s Biggest Community Notice Board (Facebook page)
A national project that has been proven to help night-time revellers stay safe, whilst reducing pressure on local emergency services, is set to launch in Chester city centre.
The Safe Space initiative, which is already running successfully in 55 cities and major towns in the UK, will see a new mobile welfare unit placed in the pedestrianised area of Foregate Street, near the Eastgate Clock.
A combination of emergency medical technicians, volunteers and security staff will work out of the facility, helping anyone that may have become vulnerable on a night out, require first aid or some form of emotional support.
A 2017 study commissioned by the Portman Group found that areas with a Safe Space save up to £9.31 for every £1 invested through reduced admissions to A&E and by easing pressure on police and ambulance services.
Chester Against Business Crime will oversee the project, which is being funded by Cheshire West and Chester Council and, to begin with, the service will run every Saturday night between 10pm and 4.30am.
Additional dates – such as Chester University’s Welcome Week and Chester Race Days – will also be covered, with the official launch scheduled for Saturday 22nd September.
For more information about Chester’s Safe Space – and to find out more about becoming a volunteer for the service – please email the Safe Space team on: chestersafespace@outlook.com
