Doncaster Safe Haven starts tonight

Doncaster’s revellers worse for drink will be able to head to a city centre safe place on two busy weekend evenings this festive season, starting tonight (Friday 15 December).

The aim is to provide temporary shelter for vulnerable people who have drunk too much to stay until they are able to move on.

Operating from the local NHS Health Bus, the Doncaster Safe Haven will be parked up opposite the Mercure Danum Hotel tonight and on Friday 22 December.

Cllr Nigel Ball, Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: “The Safe Haven bus is a brilliant project to help keep everyone safe. There is nothing worse than being in the city and feeling vulnerable. Doncaster is working hard to keep those visiting the city centre on an evening safe and well.”

This will be the fifth and sixth nights the Safe Haven has been deployed this year. Its role is to help people avoid being vulnerable on a night out and thereby reduce their risk of becoming victims of crime.

Andy Collins, from Doncaster Public Health, who is managing the project, said: “When people have had too much to drink they are more likely to be vulnerable, particularly women. We offer help and support to keep them safe.  So if you’re in the city centre on the two Fridays before Christmas and feel you need a safe place to go, or help, just look for our bus and hop on board.”.

Following their success during other busy periods this year, taxi marshals will also be patrolling every Friday and Saturday night in December and also on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The scheme aims to reduce incidents of disorder in and around taxi ranks by providing an official presence.

The marshals also provide support and reassurance to vulnerable people in the area and help to defuse confrontational situations. The scheme is part of a number of interventions introduced to tackle disorder linked to Doncaster’s evening and night-time economy.

Published: September 18, 2024