Health Outreach Bus and Taxi Marshall Scheme to be installed in Peterborough city centre to ensure the wellbeing of revellers

A Health Outreach Bus and a Taxi Marshal Scheme have been introduced in a bid to provide general medical welfare where needed and ensure revellers can travel home in safety.

The action is being taken jointly by Peterborough Positive, Peterborough City Council and Light Project Peterborough to help support city centre venues and those enjoying nights out during the busy festive period.

The Health Outreach Bus has been commissioned by the city’s Business Improvement District, run by Peterborough Positive.

It will be located on Long Causeway and supported by a Taxi Marshal Scheme to ensure people are guided to taxis after a night out.

The bus will be deployed by Light Project Peterborough and Boroughbury Medical Centre on the following evenings:

• Friday 12th December: 10pm - 2am

• Saturday 13th December: 10pm - 2am

• Friday 19th December: 10pm - 2am

• Saturday 20th December: 10pm - 2am

• Saturday 27th December: 10pm - 2am

A spokesperson said: “The service aims to reduce unnecessary hospital visits, assist door staff and venues, and provide care to vulnerable individuals.

The team will be on hand to offer:

• General medical welfare support

• Health triage and assessment

• Signposting and support to emergency services

• Pastoral and general welfare support

• Water, flip flops and lollipops

• Assistance liaising with taxi providers

Peterborough City Council and the Safer Peterborough Partnership are continuing with the Taxi Marshal Scheme throughout December.

It will primarily be based on Broadway, with periodic checks on Westgate, and marshals will manage queues, support vulnerable individuals, deter unlicensed vehicles, and ensure a safe and orderly environment at taxi ranks.

It will operate between 9pm to 3am on:

• December 12 & 13

• December 19 & 20

• December 24

• December 31

Pep Cipriano, Chief Operating Officer at Peterborough Positive, said: “We’re proud to be working with our partners to strengthen safety and wellbeing in the city centre at one of the busiest times of the year.

"The Health Outreach Bus and Taxi Marshal Scheme both play an important role in supporting venues, reducing pressure on services, and ensuring everyone can enjoy a safe and festive night out.”

Steven Pettican, Chief Executive Officer at Light Project Peterborough, said: “I’m delighted that we are able to utilise our Health Outreach Bus to benefit and serve the wider community once again.

"The festive period can be difficult for people for all sorts of reasons, but this provision will be on hand to guide and help where needed.

"It’s also another fantastic example of partnership working within the city.”