A second ‘safe space’ has been re-opened to help people who find themselves at risk of harm in any way or in need of support on a night out in Birmingham, the Police and Crime Commissioner has announced.
The Broad Street site has been brought back and will be open on the last weekend of each month – which sees a spike in people going out on traditional pay day.
Both that site and a further one at the Arcadian, located near to the entrance to the centre’s car park, are used by hundreds of people every year, who have had too much to drink, feel unwell, unsafe or need some practical help to get home.
A team from St John Ambulance are available at both the Arcadian and on Broad Street sites. They provide medical and practical help for revellers who might run into difficulty whilst visiting bars and clubs.
So far, they have already helped hundreds of vulnerable people throughout the year between the hours of 10pm and 5am on Fridays and Saturdays.
A dozen people used the Broad Street site, which is located at the junction of Oozells Street, on its first weekend back in operation as a patient, while a further 10 non-clinical engagements took place, including help with getting home, charging phones and directions.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, said: “Patients included a seizure, an overdose, an assault and others who were intoxicated.
“Overall, the team has reported it was a very successful return. The street briefing gave positive feedback and venues, the Business Improvement District (BID) and officers were very pleased to have us there.
“It’s vital people know about the Safe Spaces that are available to them on a night out in Birmingham.
“We all know that it’s easy to run into trouble on a night out and I want people to be aware that help is at hand, so we can prevent and reduce the number of people who needlessly become victims of crime.
“I’d urge anyone who feels they might need help and support, to head to the Safe Space in the Arcadian or on Broad Street, where they will be looked after.”
St John Ambulance Community Operations Manager, Chris Miles, said: “St John has been working with West Midlands Police and other partners to help keep those enjoying a night out safe in Birmingham City Centre for several years.
“The re-opening of the second site on Broad Street ensures our volunteers can continue to reduce pressures on local NHS services, and the police, by providing a safe space to triage and treat injuries on site, lessening the need for avoidable trips to busy A&E departments.
“Our aim is to help anyone who needs it and get people get home safely on a night out. We’re already seeing the great impact our amazing volunteers are making through their lifesaving work and care in the city. “We’d encourage anyone on a night out who feels they need help, medical or otherwise, to visit one of our Safe Spaces so they can get the treatment and support they need.”
There has been a Safe Space at the city’s Arcadian since 2019, after initially being funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner, whilst the Broad Street site is back after being open for most of last year.
The sites are now funded by the PCC and the Birmingham and Solihull NHS Trust.
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