Blackpool and Poulton’s ‘Night Safe Haven’ – a mobile treatment centre and safe place for party goers – is reopening on weekends throughout December.



The haven is open to anyone in need of medical help or advice, including those that may have drunk too much, taken drugs, got into a fight, lost their friends or even lost their shoes!

On board the bus, people can get advice on sexual health from Horizon Drugs & Alcohol Adult Harm Reduction practitioners, and can also be seen by paramedics from North West Ambulance Service and nurses from Blackpool Teaching Hospital for minor ailments, preventing unnecessary emergency ambulance call outs and A&E visits.

Free water, condoms, slippers, tin foil blankets and rain ponchos are all available to help keep people safe.

North West Ambulance Service’s Fylde Coast Manager, Dave Rigby, said: “We want people to have a good time in Blackpool, but we know from experience that excessive alcohol and drug use can lead to injuries and impair people’s judgement, making them vulnerable.

“Night Safe Haven offers party goers a place to feel safe, get advice and help with minor injuries. This helps people enjoy a night out in Blackpool or Poulton safely, but also keeps ambulances and A&E free for people in the most serious conditions who really need them.

“We would encourage people to take precautions so that they can enjoy a safe night out, such as eating a proper meal before going out and pacing their drinking. It’s also a good idea to have a plan on how they are getting home and where to meet if they lose their friends.

“Please remember, Night Safe Haven is there for you when things don’t go to plan.”

Top tips for a safe night out:

Eat before going out for the night -- food soaks up alcohol, slowing it down on its way into the bloodstream. It gives energy and lessens the effects of drinking the day after. Eating while you’re out helps too.
Have a soft drink or water every now and again – this will help keep the body hydrated, and will lessen the effects the next day.
Drink smaller drinks – singles instead of doubles or a standard glass of wine instead of a large glass. A large glass of wine in most bars is equivalent to a third of a bottle!
Make sure you plan your journey home before you set out for the evening. Don’t leave it to chance.
Make sure you don’t get left to walk home alone. Think about how you’re going to get home, and who with.
If you are using a car to travel make sure the driver is able to drive and has not been drinking or taking drugs.
The scheme is run by North West Ambulance Service in partnership with Renaissance at Drugline, Blackpool’s Community Nursing Team and St John Ambulance.