Newsroom

14 August 2026

Mobile Safe Space scheme extended for summertime revellers

A nighttime Safe Space scheme is being expanded to help people on nights out in Blackpool – hoping to help hundreds more people this summer.

A group of people standing behind a table

The charity Blackpool & Fylde Street Angels - supported by Blackpool Council, Lancashire Police, and Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner - is expanding its Safe Space scheme, introducing a mobile unit and extending operating hours from tonight [Friday 14 August].

The scheme was first extended in a pilot within a premises on Clifton Street – in the heart of the resort’s nighttime economy – last year. The space had professionals on hand to offer help, treat minor injuries, and connect people to the Safer Taxi scheme to get home in accredited taxis.

Open between 10pm and 3am, it also welcomed anyone who was lost, feeling vulnerable or scared, or just needing to charge their phone and recuperate. 

Now the new mobile unit – a van and gazebo – will work alongside the Clifton Street base. It will offer all the same services in Blackpool town centre on both Friday and Saturday nights through the summer season.

The space is managed by the Street Angels team, which also has volunteers on foot in the town centre, offering help to anyone in need.

Over a typical night, Street Angels volunteers support or treat around three dozen people, and offer a friendly face to dozens more.

Cllr Jane Hugo, deputy leader of Blackpool Council, said

“We want everyone who’s out at night in Blackpool to feel and be safe, whether they’re a resident, a visitor, or a worker. The Safe Space scheme helps to do just that. “The pilot period of extending the scheme was hugely successful and eye-opening too. The Street Angels have showed the value that this kind of approach can offer – from stopping someone from getting lost, or saving someone a trip to the walk-in centre, to deescalating or disrupting more challenging issues. Rolling it out to Friday nights and other events just makes sense, adding another layer of safety to what’s a hugely popular and important part of our town’s offering and economy. “We’re immensely grateful to the team at Street Angels who staff the Safe Space each week. They’re incredibly compassionate, patient, and skilled. And also, to our partners at Lancashire Police and the Police and Crime Commissioners office, for jointly delivering and funding, respectively, the initiative.”
A group of people standing behind a table

The venture has been funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office, which gave £5,000 alongside an additional £1,000 investment from Blackpool Council.

Paul Rawson, CEO at Blackpool and Fylde Street Angels, said: 

“We’re really pleased to be expanding our offering to those out in Blackpool at night. This approach returns to our original model. We’ve worked in the town centre for 14 years, starting out with a street-based team and growing to using a mobile model. With the council and the police’s backing, we opened the Clifton Street venue last year. “Now we’ll have our street team walking around venues, the mobile van allowing us to triage people in need, and the building where those with the greater need can be treated or supported. “All these options mean more people can quickly and compassionately get the help they need.”

Beyond its nighttime safety work, Street Angels runs a temporary bed unit and supported accommodation for people experiencing homelessness. It also delivers outreach services, drug and alcohol services, and skills building and family support initiatives.

The van will also be located around the town centre during large-scale events, including Ride The Lights, the Lights Switch On, and the fireworks displays.

To support Street Angels: Blackpool & The Fylde Street Angels | not for profit charity organisation | England

A trial of new drink and drug spiking test kits, provided by Lancashire Police, is also being undertaken through the scheme. Anyone who is concerned they may have been spiked can visit the Safe Space to pick up a free testing kit.

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