The Safe Places scheme was launched across Avon and Somerset on Friday, February 7. It’s to help people feel safe and supported when they are out and about.
Locations such as local shops, cafes or libraries who are signed up to the scheme, provide a recognisable place for people to seek advice, reassurance and help.
Shops, cafes and other public places/spaces can register with the scheme, which is run by the local council, police and others. They then display the Safe Place logo in their window, so they can be easily identified.
The users of the scheme carry a card which gives details of their nominated contact person and a little detail about themselves. They can give the card to the person helping them in the Safe Place. This allows the person to help with difficult situations. This could be anything from getting lost, losing a mobile phone or feeling harassed or bullied.
The user will get simple advice, reassurance or if necessary the Safe Place may contact someone else to help, for example the person named on the card, the police or the ambulance service.
Avon and Somerset Police, local councils and voluntary organisations such as North Somerset People First are working to deliver Safe Places across the area. Details of all Safe Place locations and how to join the scheme will be shown on various websites including local authorities and https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk. The locations will also be shown on a map which means it will possible to plan a route, journey or day out based on where Safe Places are available.
The Safe Places Scheme is already running in other parts of the UK. Devon and Cornwall have been using the scheme for over three years.
Sumita Hutchinson, who has helped set up the scheme in Avon and Somerset, said: “We want everyone to feel safe and supported when they are out and about in Avon and Somerset. Staying at home or feeling limited in the places you feel comfortable visiting, can cause isolation and depression.
“We hope this scheme, like in other areas where it is already in use, will make people feel safe and give them a greater sense of freedom and a better quality of life.
“The scheme has been and will continue to be shaped by the service users themselves, to ensure it delivers what they need and in a way that is user friendly. We would encourage more places to sign up to the scheme so we can offer a wide network of Safe Places across the area.”
