A NEW TOWN centre shop, treating opioid overdoses and expanding into Gloucester are some of the new ways a Stroud group are trying to make women feel safe in the area.

Safe Space - a group set up in the wake of attacks against women across the area - launched its pilot scheme the Night Angels on in December when nightclub Trio - the former Warehouse in London Road - opened to the public.

Since then the Night Angels have been patrolling the town centre, helping women get home safe and offering many types of help, on Fridays and Saturdays as well as during events such as Stroud Pride and Chalfest. 

Now the group - led by Chrissie Lowery - are going to expand into Gloucester, as well as turn Craftology, in Union Street, into a charity shop to raise money for the Night Angels. 

The group have also recently been undertaking training to treat opioid overdoses. 

Ms Lowery said: "Craftology will turn into The Night Angel charity shop which will be officially opened by the mayor on Saturday, September 7. 

"We will also be opening a base in Gloucester town centre - this is to be confirmed but probably will be at Kings Walk.

"There we will have a safe haven for women and the Angels with a fundraising shop on the ground floor.

"This is the same for Stroud as funding is a problem.

"The services will be the same but we need more angels in Gloucester as we will cover unsafe places as well as the town centre.

"We will be working with other night time services there too.

"Naloxone (Narcan) is a medicine that blocks the effects of opioids.

"It is used to treat opioid overdose by temporarily reversing the effects of opioid medicines and drugs.

"This helps a person to breathe again and wake up from an overdose.

"We have quite a problem with drugs in Stroud and it can also help with the date rape drugs too. 

"The Night Angels CIC is a non profit organisation and all funds will be used to keep the Angels in service and Stroud safe."