Located outside of the Xscape building from Thursday 1st  December, the Safe Hut will be open from 11pm until 5am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It is a voluntary initiative with St John Ambulance providing late night revellers with practical assistance during the lead up to Christmas and the New Year.

Volunteers will be helping to manage minor issues, supporting and advising intoxicated people, which has successfully been proven to significantly relieve pressure on the emergency services.  Last year, over 300 people visited the Safe Hut for all manner of queries and incidents. Minor issues, supporting and advising intoxicated people, were handled by the team and significantly relieved pressure on local emergency services.  St John’s Ambulance saw over 135 people, 79 of those treated on site subsequently, averting ambulance call outs.  14 of those were taken to MK Hospital due to the seriousness of injury.

The ‘Pee Pod’, which was introduced during the World Cup  and used by over 1,288 revellers last year also returned on 01st December to give revellers a convenient and safe place to urinate.

Kay Greenhalgh spokesperson for the After8 Group and City Centre Manager; “This is the third year we have come together to give people celebrating Christmas additional help and support and to make sure they enjoy every part of their night out. This is purely a voluntary initiative by key businesses in Milton Keynes city centre, which clearly demonstrates our united approach to keeping the city centre a safe and happy environment.”

Volunteers will also be handing out condoms, flip flops and water.

The main sponsors involved are; SaferMK of Milton Keynes Council, Xscape, Theatre District, MKCCM, St John Ambulance and Elliotts.  Several other local businesses have also shown their support; Visual Identity, Icon Graphics,  EasyBlast and Williams Medical Services.