On Friday (19/10) officers from Thames Valley Police were joined by South Central Ambulance Service, local charities and Councillors from the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead to launch a new Safety Hub in Windsor.
The initiative, which is being led by Thames Valley Police, provides additional support at night for vulnerable people in and around the town centre.
Based at Windsor Baptist Church on Victoria Street, the Safety Hub will be open every Friday night into Saturday morning and Saturday night into Sunday morning between 10pm and 3am. In addition those in need will also be welcomed on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Any person requiring respite, refuge, or first aid will be able to access support at this safe location.
The facility enhances the service already being provided by the Windsor Street Angels. Working with local partners, these volunteers patrol the streets to ensure people in the night time community have a safe and pleasant experience and those in need receive help.
Inspector Louise Warbrick, from the Windsor Neighbourhood team, said: “This is a great example of how multi-agency partners are working together to improve night time safety for the local community and visitors to Windsor.
“The facility has been opened ahead of the clocks going back, so that we can support the vulnerable during the cold winter nights ahead.
“By combining resources all under one roof, we can ensure that those in need receive help while reducing demand for emergency services during peak periods.”
Windsor Street Angels Co-ordinator, Police Community Support Officer David Bullock, said: “The new Safety Hub complements our wonderful team of patrolling volunteers so that we can help even more vulnerable people. The team provides a range of support from supplying water and blankets through to administering first aid or simply allowing people to talk about their problems.
“The Street Angels can often help to calm situations before they escalate and connect people with relevant support agencies when required. For example, the charity, DASH, can offer help and advice for people suffering from domestic abuse, while mentors from Cranstoun empower people to make positive change in their life.
“In a typical year the Street Angels help over 4,000 people and distribute 1,000 pairs of flip flops and 900 bottles of water.”
For more information about the work of the Windsor Street Angels, please visit www.streetangelswindsor.org
