Clarity – NSIMHN express concern at the lack of a place of safety in North Somerset.
There is currently no designated place of safety within North Somerset, the nearest ones are Bridgwater police station, or Southmead hospital in north Bristol. This then means a traumatic ride in the back of a police car/van to one of these places, and an expensive and anxiety inducing journey back on public transport where the person concerned may not even know the route. It’s difficult to see how this constitutes safety when someone is struggling. More than this, often the prospect of being taken so far away can push someone who is struggling and just needs someone to talk to – into crisis.
What is a designated place of safety?
Why is this a problem in North Somerset?
What’s the solution?