Safe Place supports young people and reduces anti-social behaviour in Worcester

Partners, organisations and businesses have come together with a common goal, to give the city’s young people a place to go where they feel welcome, have access to safe adults and can get support.

Safe Place is a city centre base in the Arches offering free food and drink and activities, but the main goal is for young people to have a place to call their own. It was the result of a joint effort from Worcester BID, Worcester City Council, Worcestershire County Council, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, Catch 22 and local businesses.

The new scheme, started at the beginning of the summer holidays when young people are away from school and are at higher risk of harm, exploitation or becoming involved with anti-social behaviour.

In a joint statement partners said: “We knew groups of young people were being identified by police and also highlighted in the media for anti-social behaviour in the city and that this was causing problems for businesses and visitors, but we also know that this behaviour is often a symptom of something bigger. When we spoke to young people in Worcester a lot of them said that they simply wanted a place where they could go, where they didn’t have to pay, weren’t at risk of being told to leave, and felt like they belonged.

“This to us didn’t seem like too much to ask, and thanks to a muti-agency approach with partners, Safe Place was born! When we first started this work, we were engaging with young people facing a range of challenges, many of which reflect wider issues being experienced in communities across the country. Some were disconnected from positive opportunities, while others lacked trusted adults they could turn to. Through Safe Place, we have been able to provide support, stability and a sense of belonging.

“In August we were able to put on a scavenger hunt where young people had to go around different historical landmarks in Worcester, after some of them had told us they didn’t know what the Guildhall was, watching them do this activity with joy and dedication was just incredible.

“Throughout we have witnessed real transformation, including young people interacting positively with staff, helping clean and take care of Safe Place, challenging their peers when behaviour was inappropriate, and apologising after incidents.

“On one occasion we were expecting a group to visit Safe Place, but they didn’t attend. We found them in the city drinking alcohol, after a conversation, they decided to dispose of it and come to Safe Place where they engaged with the activities, which was just fantastic. We couldn’t be prouder of what has been achieved, and we want to highlight that with the right provision and approach our young people can be empowered to make different choices.”

Around 30 to 50 young people are consistently attending Safe Place and partners and businesses are already noticing a big difference in anti-social behaviour in the city. This is further proved by data gathered by patrol officers that show on a day when Safe Place was not operating, three reports were made to police regarding anti-social behaviour.

The project has created opportunities for young people to build trusted relationships with adults, access support, share concerns and participate in positive activities. It has also strengthened the collective response of partners working across the city centre.

by BID Team

Worcester Police shares guidance on e-bikes and e-scooters

Worcester Neighbourhood Team is encouraging residents, parents, schools, and community groups to familiarise themselves with the rules surrounding e-bikes and e-scooters following continued reports of anti-social and dangerous use across Worcester.

Neighbourhood officers regularly receive complaints about e-scooters and overpowered or modified e-bikes being ridden on pavements, through parks and pedestrian areas, and in a manner that causes alarm, distress or danger to other members of the public.

While many electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs) can be used legally, some modified or overpowered e-bikes may be classed as motor vehicles in law. In these circumstances, they require registration, insurance, a driving licence and other legal requirements before they can be used on the road.

Privately owned e-scooters are also subject to legal restrictions and cannot generally be used on public roads, pavements or other public places.

Where e-bikes or e-scooters are being used unlawfully, police have powers to seize them. In those cases, it is highly likely that seized vehicles will ultimately be destroyed.

To help residents better understand the law and their responsibilities, Worcester Police has produced guidance leaflets covering both e-bikes and e-scooters. These can be downloaded and shared with schools, youth groups, employers, community organisations and families.

Safer Neighbourhood Inspector Dave Wise said:

“Many of the concerns reported to us relate to young people using e-scooters or modified e-bikes without fully understanding the risks or the law. I would encourage parents and guardians to take an active interest in what their children are riding and where they are riding it.”

“Many parents are surprised to learn that privately owned e-scooters cannot generally be used in public places, or that some e-bikes may be modified in a way that means they are no longer treated as bicycles under the law.”

“This is not about discouraging people from using legitimate and lawful forms of transport. However, when these machines are used irresponsibly, they can place the rider, pedestrians and other road users at significant risk.”

“Plesse take the time to understand the rules and speak to your children about using e-bikes and e-scooters safely. A simple conversation today could prevent a serious injury tomorrow, or avoid a bike or scooter being seized because it is being used unlawfully.”

Stay up to date by following them at @westmerciaroads

by BID Team

After-dark Tours return to Worcester’s Commandery this October

One of the city’s oldest buildings, The Commandery has seen centuries of history unfold within its walls – inevitably arming it with plenty of tales of ghostly goings-on ready to be told in this year’s After-dark Tours.

In a guided tour with a Halloween twist, visitors will be immersed in some of Worcester’s spookiest stories on Tuesday and Thursday evenings this October.

From mysterious footsteps to gruesome historic happenings and strange sightings, there is a plethora of anecdotes and accounts to be heard – many reported by visitors, staff, and volunteers over the years. Attendees can venture through the wood-panelled corridors and into parts of the building which, in the bright light of day, are usually closed to visitors.

Once a monastic hospital built on the site of a Saxon chapel, and later Royalist headquarters in the Battle of Worcester, the final battle of the English Civil War in 1651, The Commandery has a long and fascinating history with plenty of tales to tell. Keep your eyes and ears peeled and make up your own mind about the paranormal activities said to have taken place on the site.

Tours take place on October evenings at 6.30 and 8pm: Tuesday 13, Thursday 15, Tuesday 20, Thursday 22, Tuesday 27 and Thursday 29 October.

Tours are £16.50 per person; booking is essential at museumsworcestershire.org.uk/events/after-dark-tours-at-the-commandery-2026. The tours take approximately 1 hour and are for ages 14+.

Helen Manning, Events and Activities Coordinator at The Commandery, said, “The After-dark Tours have become essential to The Commandery’s calendar – they’re such a unique way to experience the building and its history.”

Visitors may wish to check out the nightlife on the historic Friar Street in Worcester, a short way from The Commandery, before or after the tour. The restaurants and bars in beautiful timber buildings set the tone perfectly for a unique evening out.

Younger members of the family can enjoy Spook-tacular Family Mornings at The Commandery on Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28, and Thursday 29 October from 10.30am to 12noon, bookable online. There is a fun family trail, The Witch’s Potion, on throughout the October half-term holiday (excluding Monday when The Commandery is closed).

Please see the website for full details and to book: museumsworcestershire.org.uk.

by BID Team

Worcester BID’s brand-new ‘Welfare Wednesdays’ initiative gets off to a flying start

Worcester BID’s brand-new Welfare Wednesdays initiative has officially launched, bringing local services directly into the city centre to make them easier and more accessible for Worcester residents, businesses and their staff.

The initiative is being delivered through the Worcester BID Welfare Team, alongside the Worcester Safe Space welfare van, with the team partnering with a range of local organisations to bring valuable support into the heart of the city.

The first partnership has been with Kitsons Pharmacy, offering FREE flu vaccinations on selected dates, with no appointment necessary.

The first Welfare Wednesday took place on 3rd October, when more than 100 people received a free flu jab. The fantastic response highlights the value of making essential services convenient and accessible to the people who live and work in Worcester.

This October also marks a remarkable 280 years in business for Kitsons Pharmacy. A much-loved, long-standing independent pharmacy in Worcester, Kitsons has been part of the city’s community for generations. Worcester BID is delighted to have partnered with Kitsons during this special anniversary year, helping to celebrate this incredible milestone while providing an important health service to the local community.

Abbey Tocchini, Project & Communications Manager at Worcester BID, said:

“Welfare Wednesdays are a really exciting new initiative for Worcester BID. We know that businesses, their staff and the wider community can sometimes find it difficult to access the support and services they need, so we want to make that process as easy as possible by bringing those services directly into the city centre.

“The fantastic response to our first Welfare Wednesday with Kitsons Pharmacy, with more than 100 free flu jabs delivered, shows just how valuable this kind of initiative can be. We’re incredibly pleased with how the first event went and are looking forward to working with more local partners to bring a whole range of useful services to Worcester.”

And this is just the beginning.

Welfare Wednesdays will continue to develop, with Worcester BID looking to partner with a variety of local organisations and services to provide further opportunities and support for residents, businesses and their staff.

To find out more about getting your FREE flu jab with Kitsons Pharmacy, visit: https://www.facebook.com/kitsonspharmacy

If you have a service that you think could be part of a future Welfare Wednesday, please email info@worcesterbid.com to find out more.

by BID Team

Worcester Awarded Purple Flag for Fifth Consecutive Year

Worcester is flying the Purple Flag once again after securing the prestigious accreditation for a fifth consecutive year, marking a major milestone for the city’s vibrant, welcoming and well-managed evening and night-time economy.

Since first receiving Purple Flag status in 2022, Worcester has continued to evolve its after-dark offer, combining a diverse choice of leisure, shopping and entertainment with a strong focus on safety, accessibility and quality for all ages.

Worcester Business Improvement District (Worcester BID) led this year’s successful renewal, working in partnership with Worcester City Council, West Mercia Police, Worcester Street Pastors and Worcestershire Regulatory Services to demonstrate the city’s continued progress.

Samantha McCarthy, Chief Executive of Worcester BID, said: “Securing Purple Flag status for a fifth consecutive year is a milestone Worcester can be immensely proud of and a powerful endorsement of the city’s distinctive, welcoming and well-managed evening and night-time offer.

“Our independent bars, restaurants, clubs and entertainment venues give Worcester its character after dark. This recognition also reflects the commitment of West Mercia Police, Worcester City Council, Worcester Street Pastors and our wider city partners, whose close collaboration helps people enjoy Worcester with confidence.

“Worcester Safe Space has become an important part of that work, providing visible, practical support in the city centre and demonstrating how we continue to strengthen our approach year after year.

“This fifth award belongs to everyone who contributes to Worcester’s night-time economy, and we look forward to building on that shared success.”

Awarded by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), Purple Flag is the nationally recognised standard for destinations that deliver safe, diverse and enjoyable experiences after dark. Worcester’s fifth successive accreditation reflects the strength of its long-term approach and the commitment of partners across the city.

Safer Neighbourhood Inspector for Worcester, Dave Wise, said: “We are pleased that Purple Flag status has been secured for the fifth consecutive year, an achievement which is testament to good partnership work.

“Keeping everyone safe in Worcester’s night-time economy is a priority for West Mercia Police and this successful collaboration is key to supporting this goal.”

That commitment can be seen in practical initiatives such as the Worcester Safe Space, a mobile van which provides first response, first aid and a reassuring point of support for people enjoying the city after dark. By helping people at the point of need, the service also eases pressure on the NHS.

Councillor Lynn Denham, Leader of Worcester City Council, said: “Retaining Purple Flag status for a fifth consecutive year is a fantastic achievement for Worcester and reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a safe and vibrant city centre.

“It is also a reflection of the strong partnerships across the city and the hard work of local businesses, community groups, the City Council and our partners in making Worcester a place where everyone can feel welcome.

“My thanks go to everyone who has played a part in this success.”

Assessors also welcomed the continued development of The Arches and the opening of the walkway linking Foregate Street Station with the riverside and the University of Worcester’s City Campus. They highlighted the Scala and Corn Exchange projects as important opportunities to revitalise key spaces and strengthen Worcester’s growing arts and cultural offer. The city’s creative credentials were recently recognised in Affinity’s UK Creative Cities Report 2026, where Worcester ranked first nationally with a Creative Benchmark score of 79 out of 100. Together, these developments are set to build on that success and further support the arts across the city.

Worcester’s fifth consecutive Purple Flag accreditation demonstrates what can be achieved through sustained partnership working across the city. Together, partners will continue to build on this success, ensuring Worcester remains a welcoming and vibrant place to live, work and visit, by day and after dark.

by BID Team

FAMILIES INVITED TO SWING INTO SPOOKY SEASON AT MULLIGANS WORCESTER

From 26th-30th October, families can snag wicked deals and spooky treats at Mulligans Worcester, from as little as £8.75 per person. 

Halloween is set to be in full swing at Mulligans Worcester during October half term, complete with spooky treats and wicked offers for the whole family.

From Monday 26th October to Friday 30th October, witches’ covens and werewolf packs can get a weather-proof, spooktacular day out for £35, which includes a round of crazy golf and a soft or hot drink each for four people.

Individual vampires and warlocks can also get a Pass for £12.50, which includes a round of crazy golf plus a slushie, soft or hot drink and a Halloween treat for kids, while adults can enjoy a soft or hot drink.

This year, the Halloween treats aren’t just for kids, as parents can also enjoy a brand new Pumpkin Spice Latte at Mulligans Worcester.

For families looking to extend the fun, they can also enjoy electro-darts, pool, ping pong, shuffleboard and karaoke at Mulligans Worcester.

No need to go door to door for treats this Halloween, as Mulligans’ on-site cafe and bar will be serving up delicious hot dogs, loaded nachos, pizzas, chicken wings and more.

For the full Ts & Cs or to make a booking, go to https://www.mrmulligan.com or keep up with Mulligans Worcester’s day-to-day updates by following @mulligansworcester on Instagram or Mulligans Worcester on Facebook.

by BID Team

Gifting season spotlight: Meet independent boutique, Curated By Mac & Harve

With the festive season approaching, shoppers in Worcester are being encouraged to shop local if they plan to start Christmas gifting early. Great gifts can be found by exploring our City as he hold 68% independent venues!

One of the city centre’s newest independent additions, Curated by Mac & Harve is a great place to start:

Set inside a historic building at 6 Friar Street, the boutique brings together a carefully chosen collection of jewellery, stylish fashion accessories, and unique giftware. By offering exclusive items and thoughtful presents, the independent shop aims to make finding gifts for friends and family a memorable, personal experience.

Speaking to Sarah & Sarah, the owners behind Curated By Mac & Harve about all things gifting, the team said:

“The concept for our boutique came from our own desire to shop locally for beautiful, unique & contemporary gifts…special things for a special someone! We absolutely know how hard it can be.

Sarah and I have intentionally brought together an eclectic mix of beautiful jewellery brands, anything from stocking fillers like stud and huggie earrings, up to jewellery sets with a wow factor, as well as gift ideas that you will not find on the High Street – such as Artisan glazed travel mugs, small-batch soy candles and diffusers, distinctive scarves and other perfect pieces, all ideal for male and female recipients. We are here for affordable treasures and a touch of Christmas Magic made easy for you.

If you find it hard to choose we offer to help you pick out your perfect piece, either in store or from the comfort of home – just pop us an Instagram DM and let us know how to help. We are happy to call or message and give you some options, plus you can click and collect from the shop on Friar Street, gift wrapped and ready to go or opt for home delivery.

Christmas gifting is made easier by Mac and Harve a.k.a. Sarah and Sarah (her and me) and remember if you are really stuck, you can always opt for a voucher and come in to shop together.”

For those who have yet to drop in, the boutique is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

To find out more or explore their offerings, visit their boutique on Friar Street or check out their web page: https://www.macandharve.co.uk/

by BID Team

Gifting season spotlight: Meet award-winning Cornucopia

As the festive gifting season approaches, shoppers across Worcestershire are looking for ways to make Christmas giving extra thoughtful. Nestled in the heart of the city, Cornucopia Home and Gift stands out as one of Worcester’s true retail gems.

Independent and family-run since 1985, this award-winning boutique has spent over 40 years bringing curated homeware, thoughtful gifts, and lifestyle pieces to the high street.

A Mother-Daughter Story Driven by Passion

Run by mother-and-daughter team Clare and Hannah, Cornucopia mixes decades of retail experience with an interior design background. Every single item on their shelves is handpicked because the team genuinely loves it, resulting in a shop that feels considered, inspiring, and ever-evolving.

Award-Winning Christmas Windows

For locals, the festive season officially begins when Cornucopia unveils its iconic Christmas displays across five large storefront windows. Featuring handmade props and warm evening lighting, the store was named a finalist at The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2026 for Best In-Store or Window Display, with their displays spotlighted in Progressive Gifts & Home magazine.

Speaking to the team behind the shop, they said:

“For us, Christmas is such a special time at Cornucopia. We fill the shop with everything from thoughtful little stocking fillers and decorations to gifts from some of our favourite brands, all chosen with care by our family and team. There’s something really lovely about shopping independently at Christmas – being able to wander around, discover something a little different and know that your purchase is supporting a local business and the people behind it. We’ve been part of Worcester for over 40 years, so seeing familiar faces come back each Christmas, as well as welcoming new ones, is always really special to us.”

What You’ll Discover Inside

Whether starting your festive wishlist or searching for a main present, Cornucopia offers a blend of famous names and hidden gems:

  • Official Jellycat Stockists: A dedicated collection of plushies, from classic favourites to new releases.
  • Beloved Brands: Iconic British ceramics from Emma Bridgewater, lighting from Garden Trading, and decor by Nkuku.
  • Festive Magic: Miniature illuminated tea-light houses by Räder, luxury candles, artisan jewellery, cosy scarves, and stationery.

Support Local This Christmas

By shopping small, you are supporting a family legacy that has championed Worcester’s independent business scene for over four decades.

Small shops. Big Christmas.

Browse in-store or explore their range online with UK shipping and free local Click & Collect at cornucopiahomeandgift.com.

by BID Team

Evertons End of Summer Party!

A long-standing independent wine merchant in Worcester is inviting locals to toast the changing seasons with live music, local street food, and special offers at its biggest party of the year.

Evertons Wine Merchants, located in the heart of Worcester, is hosting its official End of Summer Party on Saturday, October 3, running from 1pm until 7pm.

The event promises a full afternoon of festivities for local food and drink lovers, combining live entertainment and artisan food with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

A spokesperson for Evertons said:

“We’re filling the afternoon with fantastic live music, delicious local food, and an unforgettable atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just looking to enjoy a great glass with good company, drop in and celebrate with us.“

What to Expect

Attendees can look forward to:

  • Live Music

  • Food & Drink

  • Exclusive Discounts

Event Details

by BID Team