Outreach On Our Streets
Rapid Response North West is an invaluable community-focused organisation serving the Wirral Peninsula, dedicated to emergency medical services, and extensive community support.
Entirely volunteer-led, our group provides vital services including Emergency Care, First Aid, Homeless Support and Suicide Prevention and Intervention, both on foot and by vehicle patrols, in key areas of need.
Volunteers actively look out for people in crisis, offering support and alerting emergency services when necessary.
Safety Patrols: Supporting the Wirral Community
Our Mission
Our Safety Patrols are at the heart of what we do, helping to create a safer community by supporting those in crisis. By patrolling key areas of the Wirral Peninsula, we aim to:
- Increase the chances of finding and assisting individuals in crisis.
- Reduce the number of completed suicides.
- Offer support to those struggling with mental health, isolation, debt, loss, homelessness or other challenges.
We focus on reaching those who need help the most, particularly young people aged 18-25 in deprived areas, and individuals in the community who may feel isolated or vulnerable.
How Our Patrols Work
- Dedicated Coverage: Our trained volunteers patrol in pairs for safety and effectiveness, covering the Wirral Peninsula on foot and in vehicles.
- Key Patrol Times: Patrols operate Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights from 9 PM to 3 AM, with additional coverage during public events and bank holidays.
- Equipped for Emergencies: Each vehicle carries emergency medical and lifesaving equipment to assist individuals in critical situations, including water rescue, self-harm and suicide attempts.
- Strategic Areas: We patrol high-risk locations such as coastlines, parks, motorway bridges, and busy streets.
What We Do
- Suicide Prevention: Our intervention patrols aim to support individuals who feel suicide is their only option. Our presence ensures they are not alone, offering immediate help and guiding them toward professional support services.
- Community Engagement: Members of the community can approach us to discuss issues such as abuse, mental health struggles, or financial difficulties.
- Emergency Support: We provide immediate assistance to those in need, offering medical help, action plans, and referrals to emergency services when necessary.
- Tackling Hidden Issues: By being out on the streets, we address problems that might otherwise go unnoticed and support those who may not know where to turn or feel unable to seek help.
- Homeless Support: We provide individuals experiencing homelessness with essential items such as sleeping bags, warm clothing, and meals. We also guide them toward shelters, accommodation services, and support networks to help them access long-term solutions.
Why It Matters
Our Safety Patrols provide a vital lifeline for people in crisis. By being present and approachable, we:
- Offer hope to those struggling with mental health issues.
- Support younger individuals at risk, particularly in disadvantaged areas.
- Help tackle crisis situations related to alcohol or drug use during the nighttime economy.
- Create a sense of trust and safety within the community.
- Provide essential support to individuals experiencing homelessness, offering immediate assistance such as food, warm clothing, and guidance toward shelters or other services
The Impact on Our Community
- A Suicide Safer Community: Our patrols actively reduce the risk of suicide by providing immediate intervention and support.
- Reaching the Vulnerable: We focus on helping those who are often overlooked, such as isolated older individuals, people in debt, or those grieving a loss.
- Supporting the Night Scene: By operating during late-night hours, we address crisis situations as they arise, offering timely and effective assistance.
- Alleviating Homelessness: Our homeless support initiatives provide immediate relief, such as food, warm clothing, and temporary shelters, helping individuals regain dignity and stability while reducing the visible impact of rough sleeping on our community.
Here’s a story from Jane, a young lady from Birkenhead, whose journey shows how our support has changed her life:
“I never thought I’d need help, but last winter, I lost me job and then lost me home. I’d
always tried to stay on my feet, but things went downhill quickly, and I found myself
sleeping in shelters and then on the streets. I felt invisible and alone.
One night, as I sat behind sherlocks, two volunteers from this charity Rapid Response
North West was passing. They offered me a warm drink, something to eat, and they
stayed to talk with me. For the first time in a while, I felt seen.
They passed by a lot, bringing good things, like food and snacks, warm socks too. They
didn’t just hand things out, they really listened. Eventually, I told them more about my life
and what happened, and one volunteer, mentioned she could help connect me
with housing and mental health services.
With her encouragement, I took the first steps. They helped me make the call to a friend,
and a few days later, I was placed in temporary accommodation. Having a roof over my
head was amazing, but I was still struggling inside. Rapid Response kept checking on
me, making sure I had what I needed and bringing information about services that could
help.
It really helped when they invited me to a free first aid course. I was a bit scared like, but
they encouraged me to give it a go, saying it would be a chance to learn new skills. That
day changed everything. It was really fun learning first aid and mixing with other people.
It boosted my confidence a lot, and for the first time in ages, I felt strong.
Now, I rent my own place, and work part-time, and Rapid Response still keeps in touch.
Knowing they’re there if I need support means the world to me”
Jane’s story reflects the impact of our work, which goes beyond providing essentials to offering connection, confidence, and hope. Through support, skills training, and community, we aim to help people like Jane regain stability and rebuild their lives.
Experienced Staff
All of our team members hold appropriate qualifications. With some coming from a lived experience background regarding Mental Health and Suicide.
Professional & Friendly Staff
Rapid Response North West strives to maintain a high standard and a friendly service.
On Call 24/7
Rapid Response North West aims to provide a 24/7 on call service across a variety of services.
Community Support
Our team are proud to support our local area. If you are requiring assistance and think we could help. Please do contact us.
Talk To Us Anytime
Anytime you see our team members out and about. Feel free to stop and talk to us.
No Extra Fees
Rapid Response North West provide a mixture of free and chargeable services. You will be notified prior if there is to be a charge.
“Brilliant! RRNW supported us by attending 2 of our events, in which the team were provided an excellent service.”
Sarah
Event Organiser
“Preventing Loss of Life is Our Mission”
Aiming to provide a 24/7 service.
