Safe Space showing its value

EXETER Safe Space has supported more than 850 people since opening in November.

74 people received medical treatment preventing 29 ambulance call outs and 42 visits to A&E - thus saving the NHS somewhere in the region of £23,000* already.

Under-21s were the largest age group requiring support with just eight people over the age of 30 needing medical help.

Alcohol related illness was the biggest reason for visiting (36), nine wounds were treated and seven other injuries, and five people presented with mental health issues.

Almost 400 bottles of water were handed out, 114 anti-spiking bottle tops provided, 47 people charged their phones, and 21 people used it as a safe waiting place.

The Safe Space will now be open Friday and Saturday evenings only.

*Based on figures published by the King Fund .