Sheffield’s first Safe Square, designed to make sure you’re safe on night out, will launch during weekends in December.
The initiative will take place at Leopold Square, and provide a safe area for those on a night out from 8pm to 3am on weekends during the festive period.
Simon Tomlinson, a coordinator within the initiative, underscored the need for a comfortable and safe space for those who want to enjoy a night out.
He said: “I’ve worked in hospitality for years and it’s important to foster an environment where it’s possible to meet new people, for younger people to discover their identity and for people to feel confident in expressing themselves.”
“Unfortunately this comes with risks, so it’s important to make sure there’s a scheme in place to help prevent but also be reactive to anything that isn’t palpable within the night time economy.”
Mr Tomlinson has been a voice for such an initiative for some years, and said he is glad to see a safe square come to the Steel City.
He said: “Sheffield is one of the safest cities in the world to have a night out in – but if we don’t take action to make even the smallest improvement to the safety and well-being of those who visit our city then who will?
“Ultimately it’s something that everyone wants – it’s how the scheme is enacted that has always mattered.
“It’s required a lot of stakeholders; including charities, the authorities and most importantly those within the night time economy to get close to achieving and we’re delighted that it’s the first small step for what should be a giant change for nightlife.”
A fully-trained medical team and an immediate drinks-testing facility will be on site, as well as a free phone charging station in a secure area which can also be used as a meeting point between friends.
“I think everyone wishes that it was in place yesterday,” Mr Tomlinson added.
Mr Tomlinson told the Steel Speaker that “It feels great to be a small part of an incredible project, if it benefits the experience of just one person, then it’s all been worth it.”