The centre of Eastbourne has been equipped again this year with its night-time, mobile “Safe Space” for people needing help, advice or refuge during the festive party season.
On its first night outside Debenhams the Safe Space helped 8 people, 2 of whom needed first aid.
Designed to make the town centre a healthier and safer place, the project’s aim is to promote responsible drinking, reduce attendance at A&E and emergency ambulance call-outs and to ensure that people have a safe place to go if they get into trouble.
The Safe Space is part of a range of initiatives in place in Eastbourne town centre over the Christmas period and also offers practical advice, water, clean clothes, condoms, flat shoes and access to transport services.
Dr Diana Grice, Director of Public Health for East Sussex Downs & Weald PCT says:
"The PCT is pleased to support the Eastbourne Safe Space and particularly welcomes additional support from the South East Alcohol Programme, Government of the South East (GOSE), the East Sussex Safer Pubbing and Clubbing Group”.
"This innovative project will contribute to reducing admissions to the local Accident & Emergency department and will help to make Eastbourne a safer, healthier place this Christmas."
Operated by Central Sussex YMCA and the Red Cross, the mobile van unit will continue to be located outside Debenhams on set dates up to and including News Years Eve.
Two of the team will be on foot carrying signs with messages encouraging people to drink and behave responsibly.
Sovereign FM the local radio station will be running commercials to encourage people to drink sensibly and help by giving strategies to reduce alcohol harm throughout this initiative.
Safe Space will continue to be outside Debenhams in December from 10pm until 3am on Thursday 17th, Friday 18th, Saturday 19th, Christmas Eve and New Years Eve.
