Their £1,000 gift will support the vital work of the five-strong team operating a funding-dependent Safe Hub within St Nicholas’s Church in the Market Place – providing “pastoral care” to those caught up in disorder, as well as hot drinks, snacks, water, blankets and, where needed, flip flops.
Since February, 2022, more than 4,000 alcohol, drug and domestic abuse related incidents, as well those with suspected mental health issues, have been reported between 9:00 pm and 300 am on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Many have been serious and, on occasions, life-threatening.
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The Hub is key element of a partnership led by Durham County Council, Durham Constabulary, the parish council, city centre businesses, the Temperance Trust and the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner.
The return of university students at the start of the new academic year has once more raise demand for the services of the Hub. – crewed by three safer streets officers employed by the county council and supported by two volunteers. Originally launched to aid women in distress it now dedicated to offering a helping hand to any vulnerable person.
“Our original aim was to end violence and sexual harassment towards women but we now provide help to anyone who needs it,” said Alan Patrickson, the county council’s corporate director for neighbourhoods and climate change and chair of the Durham City Safety Group.
“We are constantly looking for funding to keep the Hub open in a vital part of the city centre, ensuring it remains a great but safe place for everyone. We are grateful to the freemen for their much-needed boost,” said Alan.
John Booth, a member of the freemen’s charitable trust said: “The trust is delighted to help an excellent city initiative which, with the support of volunteers, offers protection to vulnerable people caught up in night-time disorder within the community.”