First Stop

Located in Reading Safe Space (St Mary’s Church House, Chain Street, next to Bill’s Restaurant), operating 9pm to 3am, every Friday and Saturday night. First Stop is a first aid and pastoral care project offering paramedic medical services and respite to anyone visiting or working in our vibrant nighttime economy who is a bit worse for wear or injured themselves. They offer treatment of cuts and burns to chefs or staff working in busy restaurants and to anyone looking for a quiet place to chill out if their evening has not gone to plan.

Volunteers work alongside paramedics from South Central Ambulance Service and are trained in first aid, as well as conflict resolution and skills to listen. Medical staff can treat most minor injuries and intoxication thereby saving over 300 A&E visits every year.