Marking one year of the Safe Space van in Worcester City with a funding boost!

The Worcester Bid initiative has been having a huge impact by keeping Worcester’s citygoers safe from harm.

It has been running since 15 December 2023 and in that time, has made a significant difference, by supporting thousands of people in need of help during a night out.

Recognising its success, the Safer Worcestershire Partnership has offered a funding boost in the form of a Safer Worcestershire grant. This will support its development by widening the offer of support available.

This week, Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion and representatives from Worcestershire County Council’s Public Health team popped into the city centre to see the van for themselves.

They were met by Crystal Thompson from Worcester Bid who explained. “Initially the van was out in the city centre during weekends and events, between 10 pm to 4 am, following the closures of the clubs, but recently it has been out in the daytime too.”

The van is there to support people who may be vulnerable, injured or simply lost. It is part of the Worcester Bid’s support package to improve the nighttime economy. Businesses have the details of how they can call for help, such as support for those who may have fallen or are in need of welfare support.

“Typically people were intrigued by the van at first, but now more and more people are recognising it.

“Regular clubbers and students know all about it and we work with the university paramedic students to offer hours on the Safe Space towards their degrees” she added.

In the daytime the van works alongside additional support, for example recently at The Granary, there was a doctor, social prescribing and mental health support as part of the Worcester District Collaborative Support Hub.

The data reveals the van is having a huge impact. Daily logs show when an ambulance call has been saved or someone has been supported instead of going to the NHS. Recent figures indicate that between five to six thousand pounds worth of ambulance call-outs have been prevented monthly.

County Councillor David Ross, cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing said: “This initiative is doing a great job in keeping people safe in the city of Worcester.

“I am also delighted to see the impact it is having on preventing people from needing to access NHS services.” 
Public Health in Worcestershire, and Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion formed the Safer Worcestershire Partnership to offer small grants to tackle physical and mental health issues to prevent them from leading to criminal activity.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “This project is a great example of what can be achieved when partners work together to deliver for local communities. 

“As PCC, I want those enjoying a night out to not only be safe but feel safe too. That’s why the Safe Space is so important as it’s an innovative way of supporting people and deterring crime.

“The results achieved over the year highlight it’s working, that’s why I am proud to continue backing it with the resources it needs to continue going from strength to strength.”