Welfare centre to provide “safe haven” to those needing help on a night out during festive period

A welfare centre in Wrexham is gearing up for a busy festive period providing a “safe haven” to night time revellers.

Hafan y Dref, at the bottom of Town Hill, provides support to those who feel unwell or run into problems while visiting the town centre during the evenings.

The centre is one of several initiatives that are in place to assist anyone who needs help during a night out and they are supported by door staff, police officers, street pastors and of course family and friends.

Operated and staffed by Events Medical Team, the centre can help those who have lost their friends on a night out, have no battery power on their phones to call them or is too drunk to get home safely.

Claire McGrady, T/Inspector with North Wales Police said: “The centre is there to help if you need it.

“It has a proven record of reducing pressures on the emergency services and of providing immediate assistance to anyone needing help.

“They also don’t pass judgement – they’re there to help and prevent any unnecessary harm or distress to anyone needing it.”

Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, said, “It’s good to know that we can still offer such an excellent facility for anyone who needs help during an evening out.

“We’re all aware of the pressures that are facing our emergency services as we enter the winter period and this centre will help reduce calls to them whilst ensuring the safety of everyone who needs help.”

Hafan y Dref was first opened in December 2015 with the aim of providing a safe space where people who have become vulnerable due to consuming too much alcohol or taking drugs can receive medical attention and support.

It provides a combination of medical assessment, supervised recovery and discharge.

The centre also provides other services, such as pastoral care, help for rough sleepers and advice to those who are lost or need to go home. It also can provide a physical base for partners managing the local night time economy.

Hafan y Dref is in part of the toilet block at the bottom of Town Hill – across the way from Atik – and is open Fridays and Saturdays 10pm – 4am