Southampton City Council and partners are proud to announce the return of a night-time support service for people who are out in the city centre during the hours of darkness. A team of volunteers is available to provide help from a multi-purpose van that will be parked outside The Giddy Bridge pub in London Road, between 11pm and 4.30am over the next week.

The van will be a designated Safe Place, which provides a temporary refuge for individuals who may feel unsafe. This can be used as a pick-up space for taxis, parents and friends. People will be able to charge up their phone too so that they can call home. The service has been launched in time for freshers fortnight, when students move to the city to begin their university studies.

This project is being spearheaded by Operation Defender, which is a multi-agency response to keep people safe as they enjoy the city’s nightlife. Operation Defender members include Southampton City Council (Community Safety, Licensing, Trading), Hampshire Constabulary, the University of Southampton, Solent University, SCAS, Street Pastors, CityWatch, GO! Southampton’s Business Crime Partnership, and Synergy Security.

This is another example of Southampton’s commitment to creating a Safer Southampton, one of the priorities in its City Plan. For the fourth consecutive year, Southampton has maintained its Purple Flag status. This national accreditation highlights the city’s efforts to ensuring people’s safety while they enjoy night-time entertainment. It also contributes to A Growing Southampton, one of Southampton City Council’s Corporate Plan objectives to supporting local businesses, keeping investment in the city, and creating a more sustainable local economy.

Councillor Sarah Bogle, Leader of Southampton City Council, said: “It’s great that the night-time service is back for a second year as we welcome students to the city. This van will provide people with a safe place while they’re out for the night. It will also reassure families across the country that their sons and daughters can enjoy Southampton’s night life in safety.

Thank you to all our partners for helping us to make this project a reality.”

Jade McCauley-Deehan, Operations Manager, at GO! Southampton, said: “GO! Southampton is proud to be supporting partners with this night-time economy welfare initiative. As a city, we’ve maintained our Purple Flag accreditation thanks to projects such as this. This van proves that we are committed to creating a night-economy where everyone can enjoy themselves in safety.”

Professor Jane Falkingham, Vice President Engagement and International at the University of Southampton, said: “We are pleased to be working with Southampton City Council, Operation Defender and our wider city partners on this important initiative. As a civic university, we are committed to Southampton and to collaborating with others to help create a city where people can live, study, work and socialise safely and confidently.

Supporting the wellbeing of our students, staff and local communities is a shared responsibility, and this partnership highlights the positive impact that can be achieved when organisations work together. Creating a safer, more welcoming and inclusive Southampton is a priority for the University, and we are proud to contribute to the city’s continued success.”