A welfare hub will be in place in Penrith this weekend following a rise in reports of drink spiking in the area.
The hub will set up in the town centre today, Saturday 22 November, and will be situated at the Band Stand and will run from 8pm until 10pm.
It will be staffed with officers from the Eden Neighbourhood Policing Team as well as members of Recovery Steps and the Westmorland and Furness Council Safer Communities Team.
Anti-spiking products will be handed out for free and advice will also be offered to people heading out to pubs, restaurants, clubs and venues.
Members of Penrith Pubwatch, Eden NPT and WFC Licensing team received some bespoke training by Recovery Steps on 17 November around the symptoms of spiking, what to watch out for and how to respond.
The activities have been put in place by the Eden Local Focus hub following a rise in reports of drink spiking in the area.
They have also been assisted by funding contributions from Westmorland and Furness Community Safety Partnership and Westmorland and Furness Council Public Health Team.
Eden NPT Inspector Mo Bibby said: “Keeping people safe when out in the night-time economy is a priority for and with the start of the party season upon us, we want the presence of the Hub this weekend to make people feel safe and reassured.
“This initiative is important to support people, especially woman and girls, who may face unacceptable behaviour when out and about.
“If anyone who is on a night out Penrith becomes a victim of a crime or incident and is feeling vulnerable or unsafe, you can attend the Hub and speak to one of the officers on duty.
“Everyone working at the Hub is there to help you, please go and see them if you need their support.”
A spokesperson from Westmorland and Furness Council said: “In Westmorland and Furness, everyone has the right to enjoy their night without fear or worry.
“We are proud to be working alongside our partners to deliver these important initiatives that are helping to raise awareness of spiking, reflecting our commitment to putting people first and keeping our communities safe.
“These activities, organised and funded through Eden Local Focus Hub, will ensure that our licensed premises, taxi drivers and wider communities are better equipped to recognise the signs of trouble and respond swiftly to those who may need help.”
