Worcester Safe Space scheme facing biggest test so far

The Worcester Safe Space van will be out over New Year's Eve weekend

A new scheme to help people enjoy a safe night out is facing its biggest test so far, over New Year's Eve.

The Worcester Safe Space team tour the city centre, offering a range of support, from medical attention to a place to charge a mobile phone.

It will be operating on Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 22:00 and 04:00 GMT.

The project has funding for six months, but those behind it hope it can become permanent.

It was developed by the Worcester BID town centre group, with support from the police, local council and Worcester Street Pastors, among others, and launched on 15 December.

Over its first Friday and Saturday, it said it administered first aid nine times and also gave welfare support and general assistance.

The van is also equipped to provide drug and alcohol testing, hand out water and security alarms and even a change of clothes.

The crew can offer help in finding a taxi and also a secure space to wait.

Jerry Reakes-Williams is from Worcester Street Pastors said he was expecting a busy three days ahead.

He said it was too early to evaluate the success of the scheme and it would take a while for word of the van to get around.

But he said he hoped it would reduce pressure on the local accident and emergency department and would also be a place where "people can sober up and be reunited with friends".

He said there would be a review of the scheme after six months and its future "as ever depends on funding".

Richard Nash, Lead Medic at Safe Space, said the response so far had been "overwhelmingly positive".