Supporting people to stay safe at night

Southampton City Council and partners are proud to launch a new night-time support service for people who are out in the city centre at night. A team of volunteers will be available to provide help from a multi-purpose bus that will be parked outside The Giddy Bridge in London Road, between midnight and 4am on key Friday and Saturday nights in the lead up to Christmas

The bus 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! Security and Synergy Security. The bus is owned and run by new Operation Defender partner, Miracle Street.

This is another example of Southampton’s commitment to creating a city of opportunity for all. For the third year running, 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 Josh Allen, Cabinet Member for Communities & Safer City at Southampton City Council, said:
"I’m delighted that this new night-time service has been launched as we welcome new students to the city. I would like to thank all our partners for helping us to make this project a reality. As a council, we are committed to creating a city of opportunity for all, and our students are part of that. This new bus will provide people with a safe place while they’re out for the night. It will also reassure families that their sons and daughters can enjoy Southampton’s night life in safety."

Jade McCauley-Deehan, Operations Manager, at Go! Southampton, said:
"GO! Southampton see this resource as an extra piece of the puzzle that builds a brilliant night-time economy for all. Initiatives like this not only provide reassurance to students, residents and visitors, but helps our businesses to thrive after dark in a safe, vibrant and welcoming city. This designated space will be so valuable for those that need welfare support and a great asset in supporting Southampton’s Purple Flag accreditation."

Professor Cathy Barnes, Pro Vice-Chancellor - Research, Academic Strategy and Planning at Southampton Solent University, said:
"Student safety is a top priority at Southampton Solent University and, by working in partnership, we can use creative initiatives such as this to enhance safety in our city."