A new program aimed at young people enjoying Canberra’s nightlife hopes to create a safer environment for patrons in Civic.

The ACT Government is supporting the ‘Take Kare’ program, which includes practical assistance such as drinking water, seating, first aid and help to get home safely, as a way of promoting Canberra’s vibrant nightlife.

Attorney General Gordon Ramsay launched Take Kare – Safe Space in Canberra’s CBD in December, which will run on Friday and Saturday nights until 4 March this year.

“It’s great that the ACT Government has been able to partner with the Thomas Kelly Foundation, ACT Policing, the local hospitality industry and St John Ambulance to bring this program together,” Mr Ramsay says.

“The collaborative approach to the safety of people enjoying a night out demonstrates how important our nightlife is to the community.”

The program, managed by St John Ambulance and staffed by trained volunteers, will help young people to have a better and safer night out in Canberra. The Safe Space marquee will be set up near Platform 8 of the City Bus Station on Mort Street and staffed between 10pm and 4am.

The Safe Space will have chairs for people to go and rest, water for hydration, advice and assistance with safe transport options, basic first aid and mobile phone charging, so that night revellers can contact their friends or arrange a lift home. Roving Take Kare teams will also move around Canberra city to assist where necessary.