  Hello and welcome to the latest roundup of news and information
from YOUR City Centre!
See below for a collection of stories, including:
- An update on Safer City actions for January
- A city centre week of free learning activities coming this March
- The launch of the new Doncaster Visitor Guide for 2026
- World Book Day themed Treasure Hunt start in the city centre TODAY
- Sign up for a FREE NHS health check on 18 February
 Safer City Update - February 2026
Over the past couple of months, our Safer City teams have been stepping up their routine activities as part of the UK Home Office’s “Winter of Action," a campaign which ran until the end of January 2026.
This national initiative has seen officers from City of Doncaster Council and South Yorkshire Police continuing their ongoing work to provide a reassuring presence in the city centre and to crack down on issues like crime and antisocial behaviour.
While these safety matters are a top priority for both agencies all year round, the Winter of Action saw us redoubling our efforts. In particular, there was a focus on tackling the unique challenges that come with time of year, when the evenings grow darker, the night-time economy gets livelier, and certain illegal activities become more commonplace.
Highlights from the Winter of Action:
The Winter of Action ran from 1 December 2025 to 31 January 2026. Below are just some of the highlights from the initiative:
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2,642 hours of city centre patrols from council teams across December and January
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382 hours of police patrols in the city centre covering a total of 612 miles
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125 enforcement actions taken by council officers in response to breaches of the city centre - read more here about Public Space Protection Orders
- Multiple joint days of action to tackle antisocial behaviour in key hotspot areas
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16 Days of activism against gender violence, which saw practical steps being taken to make women feel safer in parks and open spaces, anti-spiking campaigns in pubs and clubs and a wide range of domestic abuse initiatives.
- Operation Blitzen launched by South Yorkshire Police, which saw proactive policing to tackle night-time economy issues, domestic abuse, burglaries and antisocial behaviour over Christmas
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88 arrests in Doncaster city centre for theft, burglary, drug supply and public order offences
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Taxi marshalls working over the Christmas and New Year period to help people get home safely
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The return of the safe haven service in Doncaster providing a reassuring place for vulnerable people who need support in the city centre
- The return of the "Best Bar None" scheme, helping people make more informed decisions about where they can go to enjoy safe nights out.
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Police and council Safer City officers engaging with the public at Christmas Cabins over the festive period.
While the Winter of Action has now concluded, safety remains a top priority for both the council and police every day of the year. For more information about the work we are doing together under the Safer City initiative, click the link below.
 Try Something New - Free Activities Coming to Doncaster City Centre in March
A week of free activities are coming to Doncaster City Centre. It's a great chance to build your confidence and explore skills that could lead to future opportunities. Anyone aged 16+ is welcome to take part.
City Centre Learning for Life Week runs from 2–7 March 2026 and offers a wide range of sessions, including art, digital skills, woodwork, music production, beauty, sports and more. Each activity is designed to help you discover what you enjoy and gain practical experience, whether you’re considering a new career path or simply want to learn something different.
You can attend as many sessions as you like throughout the week.
The timetable and booking details are being updated all the time, with more events being added. New events will be added every day in the lead-up to the week, so check out the webpage below.
  Doncaster Unveils 2026 Visitor Guide Celebrating a Landmark Year
Visit Doncaster has launched its brand-new Visitor Guide for 2026, shining a spotlight on a milestone year for the city as it celebrates the 250th anniversary of the iconic St Leger Festival - the world’s oldest Classic horse race and a cornerstone of Doncaster’s heritage.
Confident, warm and unmistakably proud of its roots, this year’s guide carries the theme ‘Still running on Doncaster spirit’, a tribute to the city’s unstoppable energy and the people who keep it moving forward.
Get your copy at Doncaster Tourism Information Centre or download your copy from the Visit Doncaster website.
 City Centre Treasure Hunt
Doncaster city centre is set to become a vibrant outdoor adventure zone this February half term, as a brand‑new World Book Day Treasure Hunt launches from today (12 February) through to 15 March. The interactive experience forms part of the National Year of Reading 2026 and is designed to spark imagination, encourage families to explore Doncaster, and celebrate the joy of reading.
City of Doncaster Council’s Tourism Team, Visit Doncaster has partnered with High Street Safari, specialists in transforming high streets into immersive story‑driven experiences, to bring this innovative Augmented Reality (AR) trail to the city centre. The official event supports the World Book Day charity’s mission to improve lives by inspiring a love of reading and helping children see stories in a whole new light.
 Free NHS check in the City Centre this February
Join Randox Health at the Civic Office, Waterdale, on 18 February between 08:30 and 16:00 for a FREE NHS health check.
What’s included in the check:
- Height, weight and waist measurements
- Blood pressure test
- Cholesterol test (finger prick blood test)
- Health & lifestyle consultation regarding diet, exercise & family medical history
To check if you are eligible for a health check and to book an appointment at your local clinic, visit the NHS Health Checks website or call 0800 2545 452.
*If you are under the age of 40 or over 74, you will be ineligible for this service.
 
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