Article Source: Go Forth Stirling
Last Updated: 13 September 2021 11:55
NEW SCHEME WILL OFFER A ‘SAFE HAVEN’ ON STIRLING’S STREETS
A partnership of city organisations has joined forces to launch ‘safe haven’ initiative Safebase on the streets of Stirling.
Following a successful pilot, the new scheme - which provides a safe environment for anyone visiting the city at night - will be available this weekend.
The Safebase team will be on hand to provide support and assistance on Friday and Saturday night (September 17 and 18) as students return to Stirling following the summer break.
The project, supported by Go Forth Stirling, the Scottish Ambulance Service, Police Scotland and other agencies, includes volunteer-led first aid patrols and a safe area for people to shelter if they have been stranded due to injury, incapacity or missing transport home.
Stirling Street Pastors will also be patrolling city centre streets to offer help and provide a vital service by looking out for anyone who finds themselves in a vulnerable situation during their night out.
Richard Mclennan, chair of Safebase Scotland, said: “Our aim is to create a safer experience for people who are out enjoying Stirling’s night-time economy.
“Our team can help with a variety of situations – for example if people are lost or need help to find a taxi home.
“They can carry out first aid which minimises the need for ambulances to come into the city centre and means that injured people may not need to visit A&E.
“We can also provide mental health support by giving people the space to come and chat for a while and we have somewhere safe for individuals to wait while we help them organise transport if they’ve missed the last bus home.
“It’s very much a partnership initiative with everyone working together to triage and resolve situations with the shared goal of making Stirling a safer place.”
Safebase will operate between 10pm and 3am on Friday/Saturday and Saturday/Sunday with the ‘safe haven’ located at the Service Entrance of the Thistles on Goosecroft Road.
Meanwhile, first-aid and Street Pastor patrols will be underway in Goosecroft Road, Forth Place, Upper Craigs, King Street, Baker Street, Murray Place, Maxwell Place and other central locations.
Go Forth Stirling Project Director Danielle McRorie-Smith said: “Safebase will help make Stirling a secure and welcoming environment for everyone and Go Forth Stirling are delighted to be a partner on this initiative.
“Being part of this scheme illustrates how Go Forth can solidify partnerships which work for the benefit of Stirling.
“Working with the police, public sector and voluntary organisations creates a safer and stronger city centre and helps us ensure that, as our night-time economy reopens and students return to Stirling, everyone has an enjoyable experience.
“It also means we can minimise anti-social behaviour and ensure community safety
is promoted.
“Safebase is staffed by individuals from various community partner agencies, and after a successful pilot, the scheme can only grow and continue to demonstrate a positive approach to partnership working for the benefit of Stirling and its patrons.”
The provision of Safebase is expected to lead to a reduced number of crime reports raised; reassurance around the fear of crime; the delivery of safer communities and better public order.
And the scheme will provide several services to the city’s residents and visitors including a safe, warm base to shelter, trained staff, first aiders and information about transport, safety and harm minimisation.
Safebase is linked directly to licensed venues and police via the Radio Link scheme and the team can access an emergency response when required.
Following this weekend’s operations, the project is due to return at Hallowe’en and during the festive season running up to Christmas and New Year.
The full list of Safebase partners comprises the Thistles, Stirling Street Pastors, the Royal Voluntary Service, Police Scotland Forth Valley Division, CCTV, Go Forth Stirling and the Scottish Ambulance Service.
For more information on Safebase Scotland, visit www.safebasescotland.org
For more details visit www.goforthstirling.co.uk
The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.
READ MORETo mark Bike Week UK, people across Stirling are being encouraged to take part in a new survey that will help shape active travel in the area and support the shift to sustainable modes of transport.
READ MOREPollinator-friendly plants, funded and organised by Go Forth Stirling BID have added a welcome splash of colour across Stirling city centre.
READ MOREScottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
READ MOREVisitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.
READ MOREBark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.
READ MOREStirling’s rich history and heritage was celebrated at its annual Walking of the Marches, which dates back to at least the 12th century, on Saturday (31 May).
READ MOREPeople will have the opportunity to shape a future transport system for Stirling that is fair, clean and affordable with the launch of a new consultation.
READ MORECineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.
READ MORETeams of runners have the chance to race through Scotland’s most historic battlefields and stunning landscapes during an exciting new event - the William Wallace Running Festival.
READ MOREScotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!
READ MORELoch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!
READ MORERestored memorial to be unveiled in Stirling's old town cemetery to mark the 250th anniversary of the American War of Independence.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is inviting children to come along to its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club, taking place across the country this June.
READ MOREAldi Scotland is on the hunt for the nation's biggest beer lover, as it revamps its popular Best Home Bar Competition by expanding the criteria.
READ MORERefugee Festival Scotland has officially unveiled the programme for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, running from 13 – 22 June.
READ MOREFilm fans, families and comic book enthusiasts are invited to rediscover the original big screen superhero team as a series of classic X-Men films return to the big screen at Vue this month.
READ MOREFamilies can take advantage of Loganair's new Kids Fly Fare-FREE offer, allowing children aged 11 and under to travel without paying an airfare.
READ MOREA drop-in event to attract new foster carers is being hosted by Stirling Council at the Raploch Campus on Friday, May 16th.
READ MOREWallace High Senior Girls are the pride of Stirling after retaining the Scottish Cup in stunning style on Friday night in front of hundreds of delighted fans.
READ MOREIRN-BRU XTRA has launched a custom milk float delivery service bringing limited-edition Nessie Nectar straight from the shores of Loch Ness to doors across the UK.
READ MOREScottish adults are being encouraged to learn to swim this summer to boost water safety skills for the whole family.
READ MOREA new documentary - now live on STV Player - tells the story of the Maclean Brothers and their self-confessed “piss poor” preparations the ocean adventure that lay ahead.
READ MOREPeople across Stirling are being urged to cheer on Wallace High Senior Girls on Friday night (9 May) as they bid to retain the Scottish Cup.
READ MOREAudiences are invited to travel the globe - both musically and visually - this May, as both David Attenborough and Eurovision head to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MORE2025 marks the next chapter in The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust’s legacy with the opening of a brand-new, world-class visitor centre with exhibition and retail experience.
READ MOREPavilion Festival has rounded off its biggest ever event with over 16,000 music fans enjoying three days of non-stop live music and feel good vibes on Ayr’s iconic Low Green.
READ MOREFor one day only, families can experience Moana, Paddington, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in immersive 4DX at all 34 Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide.
READ MORE