Church Warden & Safe Space Team An innovative project, Safe Space, which provides support, first aid services and a place of safety to people in the town centre who have become vulnerable, injured or distressed, was so successful over last Christmas and New Year and the summer months of 2007, that it is being run again over this Christmas and New Year period.
Safe Space is being provided by experienced staff from Hove YMCA and British Red Cross volunteers at St Paul’s Church, West Street, Brighton. The project was officially launched by Caroline Mayhew, High Sheriff of East Sussex, at 8.00pm on 30th November and will run until 31st December. It operates from 10.30pm to 2.30am on Friday and Saturday nights.
It has been commissioned by Brighton & Hove City Primary Care Trust, Brighton & Hove City Drug and Alcohol Action Team and Sussex Police with additional funding by a donation from Legal & General.
Bethan Prosser, who coordinated the Safe Space project in the Summer, says ‘it is not always appropriate that people in distress on a weekend night-out go to A&E or the police for help and so Safe Space can offer extra support. A key element of the project is to prevent situations from arising, in particular crime or injuries. If someone has maybe drunk too much or lost their friends, Safe Space workers can help them to get home safely. It is a space that people can come and calm down in. The service was very successful over last Christmas and New Year and the summer months period and was praised by Sussex Police who felt it was a first class service and saved on police time. It is a prime example of how working in partnership can be beneficial’.
Dave Nelson, who is heading the Red Cross team, said: "It will save some people going to A&E and waiting for a long time. Lots of people know what we do and the Red Cross's mission is caring for people in crisis. The Red Cross is a sign people can recognise and where they can get help."
A spokeswoman for the PCT said: "We are grateful to St Paul's church for their support for the project and for very generously donating the use of part of their church. The service will provide a place of safety and support. By working in partnership we hope to support people who may otherwise be vulnerable to harm and also reduce the numbers of people who attend A&E over the weekend with relatively minor injuries and illnesses."
If you would like to learn more about the Safe Space project please contact the new coordinator Arash Nassir-Pour on 01273 828837 or email arash.nassirpour@hoveymca.org.uk.