Newcastle’s Safe Haven Van has a fresh new look and will be back parked up on the Bigg Market as a go-to safety spot for anyone feeling vulnerable when out in the city at night.
The Community Safety and Engagement Van, widely known as the Safe Haven, has had a welcome refurbishment thanks to £20K in funding made by Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth. The investment is part of her commitment to delivering safer streets and stronger communities for the people of Northumbria.
A range of technical and aesthetic upgrades have been made to the van which is located at the heart of the Bigg Market. It is in situ from 10 pm to 4 am on Fridays and Saturdays, when footfall is at its highest.
The stand-out blue police vehicle is there to make sure help is at hand if you’ve lost your friends, need to charge your phone or wish to speak to an officer about any safety concerns you may have.
Provisions include a confidential space, medical supplies, information leaflets and phone charging facility and that safe space to talk to a Police Officer.
Police officers work closely with partners including NEAS, Newcastle City Council Street Marshals and Newcastle’s Street Pastors, who all come together to look offer help and support to revellers.
The recent investment also means that when the van is not in use on weekend nights, it will be put to good use as a police engagement resource, providing a base for officers to get out into local communities, ensuring both greater accessibility and visibility.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth said: “The Safe Haven has been a familiar sight to people out in the city for years and since becoming PCC I have heard countless positive stories from police, door staff, the council and even party-goers themselves – thankful for the van and colleagues working together to look after people. Although hugely valued, it was long due an upgrade and so we have made it happen.
“If anyone needs assistance on a night out in the City Centre, the Safe Haven is there, as a help point, and I want to make sure it stands out and people know about it.
She added: “A key priority in my Police and Crime Plan is ensuring we have an engaged and responsive police force and the van puts officers alongside partners right there in the heart of the night-time economy. It’s there to make people feel safe and allow people to easily find and speak to an officer if they need to. On one hand it’s there for crime prevention, and on the other it helps address vulnerability and to support victims. So, whether you need advice or just a sit down somewhere safe, the van is there to welcome you.”
Northumbria Police’s Neighbourhood Inspector Karen Madge said: “This latest funding to re-launch the Safe Haven Van is very welcome as we continue to work hand-in-hand with our partners to keep people safe.
“By night, it becomes a vital space for those who may need help—whether that’s reporting something confidentially to the police, charging phones, finding a safe spot to sit and wait, or reconnecting with family and friends if you’re lost. We can help get you home safely, or support you in seeking medical attention via the treatment centre located next to us.
“And now I’m pleased to say these improvements mean that we’ll be expanding our deployments beyond the night-time economy, in addition to our normal patrol activity.
“Two officers are dedicated to working on the vehicle and are there for advice, support, can be spoken to in confidence. We are here to help.
“This is brilliant news and really supports our ability to engage with even more people across the city. Ultimately, we aim to be a safe space for everyone—and we’ll be there when they need us.”
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