Come and see inside Number Forty!

For the first time, the doors of Number Forty, on Skinnergate are opening during the day so people can see the support and help it provides to people on a night out.

Number Forty is open from 9pm-3am on Friday and Saturday nights to help to anyone who feels vulnerable, unwell or has been a victim of crime. It is staffed by trained security staff and volunteers who are on hand to offer help whatever the situation.

Since it opened at the start of September, Number Forty has helped lost party goers reunite with their friends; provided first aid; helped people get to hospital; called taxis and family members; supported victims of crime and handed out free water, flip flops and ponchos!

Om Thursday 8 December, Number Forty will be open from 12.30-3pm so members of the public can have a look around, ask questions and meet the volunteers who make its work possible.

Number Forty is supported by the Darlington Safer Streets partnership, which includes Darlington Borough Council and Durham Constabulary. It is just one a number of recent initiatives implemented to increase safety and the feeling of safety, particularly among women and girls in the town centre.

Mike Renton, cabinet member for stronger communities, said: “The volunteers at Number Forty are doing an amazing job providing a brilliant service for anyone who needs help on a night out.

“The open event is a great chance for anyone who in interested to pop in, meet some of our volunteers and find out more about Number Forty. I hope lots of people will take up the opportunity to come along.”

Joy Allen, Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, said:  “I am delighted at the success of  Number Forty. This event is an excellent opportunity for the public and partners to meet the valued volunteers that have made this whole operation possible, along with finding out about the excellent work that is going on every weekend to keep our residents safe in our night time economy.

“Safer people is one of the main priorities for the public in our police and crime plan. We want to reassure the public and provide protection to the vulnerable members of our community. This is just one step on a long road to supporting women and girls to overcome violence on our streets.

“It is also a chance for people who are considering volunteering at the hub to understand what the role involves and if they would be willing to dedicate their time to this valuable resource, even if it’s just one night a month, to ensure that we continue the success for the safety of Darlington town centre. We will need as many volunteers as we can get now we have managed to extend the funding that has been given to the hub as part of the Safer Streets fund. We hope this extended funding opportunity will continue to make the streets across our area safer for all.”

Inspector Dean Haythornthwaite, from Darlington Neighbourhood Police Team, said: “Number Forty is just one of the many ways in which we are helping to make Darlington as safe as possible for everyone, particularly women and girls.

“This event is a great opportunity to come down to find out more about the project, and also learn about the other initiatives we have implemented to help keep people safe.”

Safer Streets is a UK-wide Government initiative that has seen County Durham and Darlington receive over £ 1.5m over the last 18 months to make the region safer through a variety of projects.

If you would like to volunteer or help Number Forty please email [email protected] or [email protected]

You can also make cash donations – all money will be used to buy supplies for Number Forty.