Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID), in collaboration with Avon & Somerset Police, is set to launch a dedicated ‘Safe Space’ pilot in central Bristol, trialling on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 December.
Operating from a mobile unit near the Alcohol Recovery Centre (ARC) in central Bristol, this initiative seeks to assess the need for a long-term service that can offer safety and wellbeing support at night. The overarching aim is to reduce Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)-related incidents and to provide assistance for those who may find themselves in need.
The Safe Space will be a secure area where individuals can seek help, wait safely for friends or family and access support services if needed. Run by volunteers, the pilot will operate from approximately 9pm to 6am, providing a range of services that include emotional support, signposting to city resources and basic facilities such as phone charging and first aid.
Working in conjunction with other local initiatives, such as Bristol Street Pastors, Hope Against Suicide, the Alcohol Recovery Centre, the Bristol City Centre Radio Scheme and Op BRIO, the Safe Space project will play a key role in connecting individuals to existing services and providing immediate support in vulnerable situations.
Vicky Lee, Director of Bristol City Centre BID, said: “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. With the support of our community partners, we hope to make a meaningful difference, particularly in reducing incidents against women and girls.”
DS Emily Welch of Avon and Somerset Police, said: “We have been collaborating with Bristol BID on this project for some time now and are thrilled to be able to launch the pilot. 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.”
Venue staff and security teams in Bristol’s night-time economy are encouraged to inform guests of the Safe Space and direct those in need to the unit for assistance. The Safe Space is wellbeing-focused, complementing the ARC’s medical support by addressing the broader support needs of vulnerable individuals.
This two-night pilot will inform the potential development of a permanent Safe Space solution in the coming year, ensuring Bristol continues to prioritise safety and wellbeing for all residents and visitors.
More information on the initiative can be found on the Bristol City Centre BID website: https://bristolcitycentrebid.co.uk/projects/bristol-safe-space/
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