New Safe Point to help support vulnerable people in Wakefield city centre
Thursday, December 18, 2025
With the party season in full swing, Wakefield Council’s Community Safety Partnership is launching a new Safe Point in the city centre on Friday and Saturday nights.
The converted ambulance will give those feeling vulnerable on a night out a safe and non-judgemental place to get support. It will offer care and support, as well as other amenities such as phone charging, water, and medical equipment.
“We want everyone to enjoy their night out safely. But understand sometimes people do need some extra help and support.
“The new Safe Point will provide residents with a range of help. Whether they need to call a taxi, charge a phone or have a quiet place to sit and drink water.
“It also means we can have a coordinated response between the police, ambulance service, Council, night marshals, street angels and venues.
“The service will be a first port of call for welfare and medical issues. Reducing the burden on emergency services while improving safety in the nighttime economy.
“And because it’s a converted ambulance we can take it to other nighttime spots when needed and give extra support at other events in our district.”
Cllr Daniel Wilton
Cabinet Member for Communities
The Safe Point will be in Wakefield city centre on Fridays, Saturdays and Bank Holidays, 10:30pm-5:30am, on Westgate.
Individuals who are intoxicated, unwell, separated from friends or otherwise vulnerable will have a safe and non-judgemental place to go, preventing escalation of risk or harm.
Having somewhere for people to go as a first port of call reduces unnecessary call outs for ambulances, saving the NHS time and money.
Chief Inspector Emma Hooks, West Yorkshire Police’s Partnerships and Neighbourhoods Lead for Wakefield District, said: “The Safe Point is a welcome addition to the centre of Wakefield and will provide support to people who are out in the city centre’s night-time economy.
“It will be staffed by appropriately trained people and provide those who feel vulnerable, or those who just need a bit of support, with a safe place to go that’s away from the public eye.
“This builds on the work of the Safe Space which proved invaluable with support provided to a wide range of people, ensuring safeguarding and protection from crime.”
The mobile unit will be staffed by an Emergency Medical Technician and a safety officer, offering welfare support and first aid. And can be moved around the district to other key nighttime hotspots when needed.
The launch of the Safe Point follows the former Safe Space initiative which ran from 2021 to 2024. During 2024, safe spaces in Wakefield and Pontefract helped 566 people. Ranging from victims of drink spiking or domestic altercations, assistance with getting home and those requiring first aid.