The Safe Space pilot project in Bristol City Centre this weekend aims to reduce violence against women by providing a safe haven late at night.
Bristol City Centre BID collaborated with Avon and Somerset Police on the project after a police officer’s niece had a difficult experience when waiting for a bus late at night.
The help on offer includes access to phone chargers, taxis, refreshments, a place to warm up and trained companions.
The Safe Space will be located opposite the hippodrome in a vehicle. It will also be within close proximity to the Alcohol Recovery Centre, who assist with drug and alcohol-related medical issues.
Vicky Lee of Bristol City Centre BID said: “If you lose your friends, you can go in there and have some support and […] talk to somebody if you need a warming presence.”
This project is reliant on volunteers from Bristol Street Pastors, Hope Against Suicide and police volunteers.
Chair of Bristol Street Pastors, Helen Harrison has worked to keep the streets safe at night and is elated at the prospect of the trials.
Harrison said: “We are street pastors. We do not have a place of safety to take someone.”
“I think it’s absolutely brilliant. I hope and pray it is a successful venture”.
A young woman living in Bristol recounted her experience feeling unsafe when being followed home at night. “I think there’s lots of places that women feel unsafe rather than just city centre”.
Lee responded to this, saying: “As a BID, our challenges aren’t just focused in the city centre. The more that we can support wider work, that’s absolutely something we’re interested in doing.”
The trials will take place on Friday 6th December & Saturday 7th December 9pm-6am.
