Stationed near Baldwin Street’s Alcohol Recovery Centre, the pop-up Safe Space will offer a secure haven with essentials like phone charging, first aid, and a place to regroup. With a focus on combating Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), this project highlights Bristol’s commitment to safety and wellbeing after dark.
BID Updates - Press Releases - Protecting - Safety
Bristol City Centre BID to collaborate with Avon & Somerset Police for expanded Safe Space pilot
Bristol is taking another bold step to ensure night-time safety as the City Centre BID partners with Avon & Somerset Police for a second Safe Space pilot.
09/01/2025
Set for Friday 31st January and Saturday 1st February 2025, the initiative aims to provide vital support to vulnerable individuals during busy weekend nights, while assessing the potential for a permanent service.
Feedback from the first pilot in December 2024 revealed a clear need for such a service, with users citing various benefits—from a secure spot to wait for a taxi or support to be reunited with friends or family, feeling lonely or lost in an unknown city, to assistance with unexpected issues like broken shoes.
Responding to these insights, the second pilot will run new hours on Friday 31st, the first pay weekend post-Christmas, to support those enjoying daytime activities in the city and to be operational on the opening weekend of Bristol Light Festival. Operating from 6pm to 2am on Friday 31st January and 4pm to 2am on Saturday 1st February, the expanded service aims to reach even more people. One participant praised the initiative, saying it was a “great idea and [that] it should stay as a permanent feature.”
Bristol’s nightlife staff and security teams are encouraged to share information about the service and direct those requiring help to the location. By complementing the Alcohol Recovery Centre’s medical services, the Safe Space initiative ensures a holistic approach to supporting the wellbeing of individuals in the heart of the city.
Vicky Lee, Director of Bristol City Centre BID, said:
“This initiative reinforces our dedication to fostering a safer, more welcoming nightlife environment in central Bristol. We are inviting the community to come together to trial a safety hub where we can take care of people who find themselves needing support on a night out. By providing a welcoming space, we hope to be able to signpost services and support where required working in partnership with the police.”DS Emily Welch of Avon and Somerset Police, said:
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Bristol City Centre BID for this important project. Building on the encouraging results of the first trial, we’re confident this initiative will provide valuable support and enhance the work of our team on the ground in the city centre at peak times."This initiative has seen support from local businesses and key partners, including Bristol City Centre BID, Avon & Somerset Police and Hope Against Suicide. It collaborates with other city programs such as Bristol Street Pastors, the Alcohol Recovery Centre, the Bristol City Centre Radio Scheme and Op BRIO.
Further details about the initiative can be found on the Bristol City Centre BID website.
