AS Christmas party season gets into full swing, North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) is working with Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner to make sure revellers in Newcastle city centre are safe on their night's out.
Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Susan Dungworth, has announced a cash boost of £30k towards upgrading Newcastle’s Safe Haven Van, which is jointly funded by NEAS and the PCC, creating a go-to hub for safety and medical needs on a night out, for instance if some is lost or injured.
Moved from its regular location outside St Nicholas Cathedral, the van will be parked up on the Bigg Market for the festive season. It will be operating on Friday and Saturday nights through to the early hours of the morning, as more than 100K people come into Newcastle’s night-time economy every weekend – a figure that soars in the lead up to Christmas. With this in mind, the PCC is keen to ensure people know that the Safe Haven and other measures are in place so people can enjoy the safe and welcoming city.
The funding will see the van get a fresh make over ensuring it’s equipped for party goers to get help if they are in difficulty, sober up if they get too worse for wear, or even just to charge their phone so they can reunite with friends if they are lost.
Northumbria Police will also ramp up wider policing efforts to help partygoers enjoy their nights out safely, with extra patrols and the PCC's office has also invested in training staff who work in the night-time economy helping them to understand their responsibilities and how they can identify risk.
Stu Holliday, head of emergency preparedness, resilience and response at North East Ambulance Service said: “Working closely with the police in the city centre means that we can assess and treat people quickly. This frees up our resources to help patients in the greatest need.
“The additional funding allows us to build upon the safe haven support we offer throughout the year. We want everyone to enjoy the Christmas celebrations without needing us, but the Safe Haven allows us to be there for those who do.”
The Safe Haven is also funded from the late night levy, an annual fee that since 2013 has seen businesses in Newcastle that serve alcohol between midnight and 6am contribute towards the cost of late-night policing and clean-ups.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth said: “A happy Christmas is a safe one. Thousands of people will be headed out onto Newcastle’s streets over the festive period, and it’s a policing priority to help ensure these people can enjoy their nights out safely.
“There is a great deal of work that goes on behind the scenes to protect people and train up staff, so they intervene and keep customers safe if hey spot sexual harassment. It’s important that everyone heading out over the festivities look out for each other – we just want people to have fun and stay safe.
“The partnership approach with the Safe Haven Van has worked well in recent years and it’s hoped that this joint working will once again lead to a safe and merry Christmas for the people of Newcastle. It’s important that people know it’s there and it’s important we invest in it, so it stands out and offers a safe comfortable environment when people need it.”
Chief Inspector David Wheeler, of Northumbria Police, said: “Newcastle is renowned as a fantastic place to enjoy an evening out and we want to keep it that way.
“This latest funding for the Safe Haven Van is very welcome as together alongside our partners we continue our pledge to assist members of the public and identify offenders.
“Proactive work within the city’s Night Time Economy such as Operation Salus is designed to keep you safe and where we see or are made aware of people committing crime, we take action, while also getting the appropriate support to those in need.
“If you or someone you are with needs help during a night out this Christmas, please do not hesitate to visit the Safe Haven Van or approach one of our officers on duty. Remember that we are here to help.”
Cllr Irim Ali, Newcastle City Council Cabinet member for communities, said: “Newcastle is a safe and welcoming city, and this Christmas we expect tens of thousands of people to come and enjoy our renowned Geordie hospitality.
“Our licensing and community safety teams work closely with pubs, bars and venues, emergency services, and partner organisations to make sure that everyone can have a good time, hopefully without incident.
“However, there will always be instances where some people may need more support, and so this investment in the Safe Haven – which sees so much good, collaborative work to aid those in need – can only be welcomed.”
Paul Waugh who co-ordinates Newcastle’s Street Pastors said: “The safe haven is a vital part of taking care of people who become vulnerable while out in the night time economy.