Councillor Douglas Johnson, who represents City Ward on Sheffield City Council has welcomed funding to retain a project that keeps people safe while partying, at night, in the City Centre. This followed a call, from Green Councillors, to save the scheme earlier this month.
The Safe Square project, situated at first in Leopold Square and then in Barker’s Pool, was launched last year and has been a great success. By having medical staff on hand, it prevents people going to Accident and Emergency, saving the NHS money. It has been estimated that for every £1 spent on the project a further £9.31 is saved in A&E. It also provides a safe meeting place, somewhere to charge mobile phones and a phone to call a taxi.
City Ward Councillor Douglas Johnson said,
“I am delighted to hear the news that the police’s Violence Reduction Unit has agreed to provide further funding so the “Safe Square” initiative can go ahead this year.
“ Safe square is a really important life-saving mission in Sheffield’s vibrant night-time economy. It offers a point of refuge for anyone who needs help on a night out. It can be a place to go for anyone who has too much to drink and gets separated from their mates or just if you need to charge your phone so you can get home safely. Medical staff are on hand. Crucially, it can be a place of safety for anyone who finds themselves threatened or vulnerable on a night out.
“As a Councillor for City Ward, I am in touch with people involved in the night-time economy. This was a fantastic pilot project and the results of the study showed the financial savings it makes to front-line services, as well as providing safety and reassurance for anyone having a night out in the city centre.”
