Night-time safe space for women to be trialled

The pilot will assess the long-term need for a more permanent safe space in Bristol

A mobile safe space is being trialled to offer support to potentially vulnerable women and girls on nights out.

The pilot, run by the Bristol Business Improvement District (BID) and Avon and Somerset Police, is running in Orchard Street over the weekend, finishing in the early hours of 8 December.

Organisers say they want to reduce violence against women and girls, and if the trial is successful it could become permanent.

BID director Vicky Lee said they hope it will make a "meaningful difference" in helping "those who may feel vulnerable at night".

The unit will be secure and people will be able to go there for help, wait safely for friends or family, and access support services if needed.

Run by volunteers, it will operate from 21:00 to 06:00 GMT and also offer basic facilities such as phone charging and first aid, and a place women can wait for friends and family if they need to.

It will work in partnership with other local initiatives such as Bristol Street Pastors and the Alcohol Recovery Centre, and aim to connect people to existing services as well as providing immediate support, said Ms Lee.

"With the support of our community partners, we hope to make a meaningful difference, particularly in reducing incidents against women and girls," she added.

Det Sgt Emily Welch from Avon and Somerset Police said: "After seeing similar initiatives prove successful in other big cities, we believe providing a temporary safe space for members of the public can also make a difference in our city, with its two universities and thriving nightlife."