Night-time safety boost for women and girls

1 December 2023

The safety of women and girls across West Yorkshire’s night-time economy is a key focus of the Violence Reduction Partnership’s festive plans.

It has funded the deployment of a St John Ambulance mobile treatment centre near Viaduct Street in Leeds City Centre, operating on weekends from Saturday 6^th December until early in the New Year.

It offers first aid, care, and a place of safety to people socialising throughout the evening and early hours of the morning, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights.

Director of the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership, Detective Chief Superintendent Lee Berry said:

“We are committed to the safety of women and girls and by providing this additional support, it offers a further level of assurance that lets people know there is help available should they need it.

“It can assist those who may be vulnerable and is a great resource that can quickly respond to a variety of issues, including reports of spiking.

“By taking these steps of prevention and early intervention, we can help our communities to flourish and allow everyone to enjoy their night out in confidence.”

Simon Hodgson, Head of Community Safety Services at Leeds City Council said:

“This is positive news and really welcomed by all Safer Leeds partners. 

“It will complement the wider #NightSafeLeeds offer in the city centre including the added value services such as the Night Marshall’s, Women’ Night Safe Space and the Ask For Angela Leeds scheme.

“Having the mobile treatment centre out will also reduce demand on already stretched health, police & council services during the festive period. Essentially, we all want the same thing, for people to be safe, feel safe, have a fantastic experience, and return!”.

Bethan Kenworthy, Community Locality Manager at St John Ambulance for North and East Regions added:

“We’re delighted to be working with the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership on this important initiative and to helping people stay safe in Leeds on weekends in the run-up to Christmas. Our highly skilled first aid volunteers will be a visible presence with a treatment centre equipped to deal with a range of different conditions.

“We would encourage anyone who feels unsafe or in need of first aid assistance to come and find our team and would also ask people to look out for their friends during evenings out.

“We hope everyone enjoys the festive season and is reassured by the extra level of security provided by this partnership.”