Safe space for women and girls coming back to Bristol after successful trial
The mobile space in Bristol City Centre offers a place of refuge for women on nights out
A special hub offering women and girls a safe space while on nights out in Bristol, which was first trialled last year, is coming back.
The mobile unit, which is funded by a partnership between Avon and Somerset Police and the Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) will be back on Friday 31st January and Saturday 1st February, by Colston Avenue, opposite the Hippodrome.
Having first been trialled in December 2024, it offers things like phone chargers, food and drink and first aid kits as well as mental health support, with help from the group Hope Against Suicide.
A combined statement from AS Police and the BID reads: "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."
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.”
Detective Superintendent Emily Welch of AS 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."
You can find out more about the safe space on the BID website here.