Tayside Council on Alcohol: Safe Zone
TCA works alongside people, families and communities to mitigate the impact of substance use, gambling, offending and other risky or harmful behaviours. Underpinning this is a drive to challenge stigma, inequality, discrimination and marginalisation coupled with a belief that recovery is possible for everyone.
Initiated in 2015, the Safe Zone project supported emergency services with the effects of certain behaviours linked to Dundee’s night-time economy.
Assisting those adversely affected by alcohol and other substances, Safe Zone originally operated on Friday and Saturday nights within a city centre location. At that time, a minibus supported a larger bus, which remained static throughout the shift. The project was linked via radio to various pubs and clubs around the city centre, allowing clients to be transported by minibus to the main bus for additional help. Regular ‘sweeps’ of the city centre also enabled communication with Tayside Police if ‘hot spots’ were identified. The main aim was to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those enjoying the night-time economy and to offer a safe space for vulnerable individuals during the evening and nighttime.