Number Forty extending opening hours for the return of MonGay
MonGay is returning to Darlington, and the doors of Number Forty will be opening for the first time on a Monday, to ensure everyone has a fun and safe night out.
The council, police and police and crime commissioner have been working with the LGBTQIA+ community to relaunch MonGay in a selection of town centre bars on the second Monday of every month starting on 11 December.
MonGay promotes venues in the town centre which, once a month, provide entertainment and a safe space for those in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Town centre venues were invited to take part and those joining in will display posters ahead of each event to promote what’s happening.
To coincide with the relaunch, Number Forty on Skinnergate will open its doors from 6.30-10pm every MonGay. Number Forty offers practical help to anyone who feels vulnerable in the town centre on a Friday and Saturday night,
Volunteers and trained door staff can provide everything from flip flops and phone chargers to first aid and support to victims of crime. Since it opened it has given emotional and practical support to hundreds of people including helping reunite friends, getting people home safely and much more.
Cllr James Coe, the council’s LGBTQIA+ ambassador, said: “I am delighted that MonGay is returning to Darlington town centre and Number Forty will be open at the same time. It will ensure everyone who is out enjoying themselves can feel safe and know there is a wide range of support and help at hand if they need it.”
“I would like to thank the volunteers and all those involved at Number Forty for helping to make this happen and to help promote that Darlington is a safe place for everyone .”
Inspector Matt Plumb, from Darlington neighbourhood police team, said: “In the relatively short time it has been open, Number Forty has become an integral part of the night time economy in Darlington.
“It has not only proven itself to be invaluable in keeping people safe but has saved the emergency services precious time and money.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to the volunteers and those involved in the running of Number Forty for their dedication to keeping Darlington safe for all.”
Durham police and crime commissioner, Joy Allen said “I am delighted that Number Forty has extended its hours of opening in line with the return of MonGay.
“The feedback we’ve had from people who have utilised the Number Forty hub has been extremely positive. The fact we have been able to help over 400 people since its opening a year ago is a huge achievement in the success of the project and proves that with the correct tools and relationships, we can create something that really works.
“I am sure that Number Forty will continue to keep people safe while they enjoy Darlington’s night time economy and hope that this can continue long into the future.”
Photo shows: Nikki Rett; Nigel Bryson, deputy Durham police and crime commissioner, Cllr Coe and Dan Middleton from Dr Inks