DRUNK people, crime victims and those who have been separated from their friends will have a 'safe space' to go while on nights out in Weymouth, thanks to a new project aimed at easing pressure on emergency services.

The Safe Space project has been launched in the town to look after people who have been injured, are drunk or used drugs, victims of alleged crime, people who have been separated from their friends or people who are in emotional distress, to ensure they have somewhere safe to go while they are vulnerable.

Project leaders are hopeful that by launching the scheme, it will take pressure off the ambulance service and accident & emergency wards.

Based at St Mary's Church on St Mary Street, the Safe Space will opened for the first time last night and will now open from 8pm until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays for an initial period of six weeks.

Partners involved in the multi-agency approach include Dorset Council, Dorset Police, Weymouth Town Council, St Mary's Church, Weymouth Street Pastors and Acute Medical Care.

Councillor Jill Haynes, Dorset Council portfolio holder for customer and community service, said: "Like any busy resort over the summer, Weymouth sees its fair share of night-time visitors who may need support.

"The Safe Space will provide a great place for vulnerable people to go for help, rather than take a risk and potentially not make it home safely.

"I'd like to thank our partners for setting up this initiative, especially as we recover from the pandemic and have even higher numbers of visitors to Dorset than usual."

Weymouth and Portland Neighbourhood Inspector David Parr said: "I am very grateful to everyone involved with Safe Space. This project has created a co-ordinated partnership approach to reducing vulnerability and making the night-time economy safer and more enjoyable for all.

"A range of services will be available from medical aid for people who are ill or injured to support for victims of crime. For some, it can just be used as a safe space to wait for a lift home.

Safe Space coordinator Police Constable Anneka Stone said: "I am excited for the launch of Safe Space in Weymouth and believe that it will have a positive impact for people living and visiting Weymouth throughout the summer.

"Developing this project with our partner agencies has been a fulfilling challenge for me. The organisations involved have all strived to achieve the same goal, which is providing a new initiative for the safety of people enjoying a night out in Weymouth."

For more information on the project, visit the Dorset council website.