Staff working in McDonald’s across Greenwich have been trained to use defibrillators and stabbing bleed kits, as part of a new scheme to offer safe places to those seeking refuge in the borough.

The spaces, called Safehaven Superhubs, were developed in a joint scheme by Greenwich Council and the Met Police.

The hubs are aimed at providing medical help and first aid to people while waiting for an ambulance or police to arrive.

They also function as a space for people being harassed or feeling unsafe to seek refuge, with staff being trained on how to respond to anti-social behaviour, safeguarding and violence.

This Is Local London: Greenwich Council leader Anthony Okereke and Labour Councillor Ann-Marie Cousins with staff at one of the McDonald's branches to benefit from the scheme. Credit: Greenwich CouncilGreenwich Council leader Anthony Okereke and Labour Councillor Ann-Marie Cousins with staff at one of the McDonald's branches to benefit from the scheme. Credit: Greenwich Council

The three McDonald’s locations to benefit from the scheme include the Yorkshire Grey branch in Middle Park, Powis Street in Woolwich, and Eltham High Street.

Staff at the Yorkshire Grey McDonald’s branch, Simona and Marjorie, said they were proud to be in the position to receive training that could save someone’s life.

They said in a statement: “Being trained on how to use a defibrillator and having it at this location is a real asset, especially in an emergency when every second counts.”

McDonald’s was chosen as a location based on crime data and feedback from local communities.

Greenwich Council said in a statement that McDonald’s was repeatedly brought up in the feedback as a place where young people said they felt safe.

Labour Councillor Ann-Marie Cousins, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement for Greenwich Council, said in a statement: “Working together in partnership with local police, we have created Safehaven Superhubs so that anyone no matter their age has somewhere safe to go and seek help and support when they feel unsafe, have been a victim of hate crime, or are feeling vulnerable.”

She added: “I would like to thank McDonald’s for embracing this concept and working in partnership with the Council to deliver these first three hubs.”

A Greenwich Council spokesperson said that more safe spaces were due to open across the borough in the future.

They also said that more businesses were welcome to sign up to the new scheme.

Richard West, business manager for Powis Street McDonald’s, said in a statement: “It’s great to be supporting the community by working alongside the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

"Hopefully we will not need to use the equipment – but let’s work together to help save lives at McDonald’s Woolwich.”