The project

There are situations in which some people feel uncomfortable or unsafe when they are out and about at night. This could be on the way from club to club or on the way home. This is when an open door is helpful.

This is exactly where the newly conceived “Nachtboje” project of the state capital Stuttgart comes in: Places that are open at night anyway become contact points where people can find a temporary retreat and receive support from staff. Night-time economy establishments such as snack bars, kiosks, restaurants, bars, hotels or cinemas can get involved as night-time buoys. The participating establishments are marked on the outside with an eye-catching sticker in pink neon color as a night buoy and marked  online on the city map . At a night buoy, people who feel unwell are offered a glass of water, for example, can call a cab or have their cell phone recharged.

The night buoy service is anonymous and can be used voluntarily and free of charge at any time.

The night buoy is a project of the state capital Stuttgart for respectful and attentive coexistence in public spaces at night. The project raises awareness and attracts supporters of the night-time economy and makes their civic engagement visible. Gradually, a network of many night buoys is being created in Stuttgart, offering spontaneous points of contact and low-threshold support at night.

In this way, the project contributes to increasing the safety and sense of security of all people in public spaces at night.

The project is backed by a broad alliance of various stakeholders. On the part of the state capital of Stuttgart, this includes the Economic Development Department with the Nightlife Coordination Office, the Children’s Office, the Municipal Crime Prevention Department, the Youth Council and the Equal Opportunities Department, which is in charge of coordinating the project. The Stuttgart Police Headquarters with its Prevention Department, Mobile Jugendarbeit Innenstadt, Stuttgarter Jugendhaus Gesellschaft, Frauenberatungs- und Therapiezentrum Stuttgart e.V. (Fetz), Lagaya e.V. and Mädchen*gesundheitsladen complete the interdisciplinary project group.

The long-term aim is to create a sustainable network of all participating institutions and project sponsors that meets twice a year for events. Experiences are exchanged, contacts are made and, above all, specialist input on participation in public spaces at night is offered and discussed.