The Safe Space project supports a variety of people in Chester’s night time economy who may not require emergency care, but may benefit from a safe space to talk, be provided with support, advice, first aid and have an opportunity to be listened to in a safe environment.

The project runs most Saturday nights from 10pm to 4.30am and may also run on other busy nights such as during University Welcome Week and race days at Chester Racecourse. All of these nights put extra pressure on the Emergency Department and we want to reduce the number of people attending A&E by diverting them to more appropriate services.

Volunteers work alongside and support emergency medical technicians and security staff in assisting and providing support and, where appropriate, non-emergency care to individuals who may self-present or be referred from one of the partners such as NWAS, Cheshire Police, door staff, licensed premises, transport providers and Street Pastors.

Care may also be given to victims of crime to support Cheshire Police, relatives/carers and those who may only require signposting to additional services. We are hopeful that this service will reduce the pressure on emergency services, enabling them to give faster service to the community.

In a national study commissioned by the Portman Group, Safe Spaces around the country are saving the public purse up to £9.31 per £1 invested. To ensure we can continue to offer a safer night out to visitors to Chester, we would be grateful of any donation you are able to make.

We have started this page to support the great work of the volunteers and the professional teams on site, and to be able to offer this worthwhile initiative on additional nights in the year to support more people. Perhaps you have been helped by the Safe Space, know someone who has or simply think it's a great idea. Any amount you can spare helps.....

£1 pays for a cup of tea, biscuits and tissues to enable us to listen to and comfort someone in need of a friendly ear.

£5 pays for a foil blanket, vomit bowl, bottle of water and a phone call home for someone who drank more than they meant to on a night out.

£10 pays for a foil blanket, flip flops, the charging of a mobile phone and a cab home to ensure someone who has had all of their belongings stolen on a night out can get home comfortably and safely.

£20 pays for an hour of emergency medical technician time to treat someone presenting to the space with a medical condition.

Thank you so much for any help and support you can offer. If you would like to find out how you can volunteer for the Safe Space, please email chestersafespace@outlook.com.