Manchester's Safe Haven
A so-called 'Safe Haven's' being set-up in Manchester City Centre to help revellers sober-up and get home safely.
A new initiative to provide support to people in need on a night out has been launched in Manchester city centre. The Safe Haven has been developed by Greater Manchester Police, Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester’s Police and Crime Commissioner and other partners. Based at the Nexus Art Café at Dale Street it is designed to reduce the demand on frontline services by assisting those people who become vulnerable and require the support of others to ensure they are safe and can get home after being out and about in the city following a night out. It is supported by regular officers, special constables, Manchester Street Angels and the LGBT Foundation Village Angels. The centre will act as a place of safety and a hub for police to provide care, advice and assistance for anyone who attends. Water and hot drinks will be provided and visitors to the café will receive support to help them arrange to get home. Chief Inspector Laura Marler who is coordinating the Safe Haven scheme said: “Weekend nights in the city centre is a busy time for all partners including police. This initiative is to ensure our most vulnerable members of the community are protected, we can reduce the demand on our frontline services and the number of incidents of violent crime and ensure those visiting the city can enjoy their night safely.” Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester city centre spokesman, said: “Manchester is famous for its nightlife and tens of thousands of people come into the city centre every weekend to experience enjoyable and safe nights out. However, there will always be people who are feeling vulnerable in any large city centre on a Friday and Saturday night and the Safe Haven scheme will provide somewhere they can go without having to approach the emergency services directly.” Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jim Battle said: “This safe haven will enhance the valuable work done by our emergency services, door staff and army of volunteers from the LGBT Foundation Village Angels, Manchester Street Angels who are out every weekend to keep people safe in our city centre. “The safe haven will provide a place for people to chill out, perhaps recharge their phone, get support and ultimately get home safely. “It will help to make sure that our police are freed up to keep our city’s streets safe, but most importantly it will mean people who could fall victim to crime are able to keep out of harm’s way. “I hope this scheme is a success as it demonstrates how the emergency services, venues, charities and volunteers are all working together to make our city a fantastic place.”