Cumbria Police has launched a ‘Safe Place’ scheme. This aims to help vulnerable people across the county who may be confused, scared, bullied, abused or harassed while they are out and about.
People who use the scheme carry a Safe Place identity card. They can show this to the staff of participating shops and businesses. The card will carry that person’s name and the contact number of someone they trust. If they need help, the person will present their ID card to the manager or staff at the safe place. The safe places are being asked to place an easily identifiable sticker in their window. That way, people will know where there is a safe place if they feel threatened and need help.
Shelia Gregory from Carlisle MENCAP said: “We are really pleased to be involved in this new project with Cumbria Police. Working with vulnerable people every day – we know how confusing and scary the world can be for them when things go wrong. It really important for them to be able to find a place to go for help where they know the people will be caring and help them. Very often vulnerable and elderly people will come into our shop when they are confused or feel unwell because they know our staff will help them – its great we can now do this on a formal basis with back up from the police.’
Cathy Parker from West House said: ‘Cumbria Police are working hard with organisations such as West House to make our community safer for our most vulnerable members’. The Safer Places Scheme offers a fixed point of contact for individuals who may be lost, being bullied or subject to hate crime. The scheme will give some assurance to family members that their loved one has a safe refuge when they are out and about. It is a great example of community policing.’
Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said: “I believe the Safe Places Scheme is an excellent idea, and offers a valuable facility to help protect the vulnerable in our community and provide them with a safe haven where they can seek support in times of need.”
The locations include:
North Cumbria
Carlisle Mencap Opportunities Shop, St Cuthbert’s Lane, Carlisle CA3 8AG
Eden Mind Shop, 5 Market Square, Penrith CA11 7AU
Eden Mencap, 20/21 Little Dockray, Penrith CA11 7HL
Carlisle Mind Shop, 49 Bank Street, Carlisle CA3 8HJ
Appleby Mind Shop, 4 Market Hall Arcade, Appleby CA16 6YA.
South Cumbria
People First Barrow, The Best Life Building, 12 Duke Street, Barrow in Furness LA14 1LF
People First Kendal, Manna House, Castle Lodge, Aynham Road, Kendal LA9 7DE.
West Cumbria
Moorclose Library, Needham Drive, Workington CA14 3SE
West House, 26 Stanley Street, Workington CA14 2JD
People First, 4-6 Oxford Street, Workington CA14 2AH
Workington Leisure Centre, Newlands Lane, Workington CA14 3SA
Workington Library, Oxford Street, Workington CA14 2NA
Seaton pharmacy, 91 Main Road, Seaton CA14 1JE
Seaton Library, Seaton CA14 1JD
Cockermouth Library, Main Street, Cockermouth CA8 9LU
Maryport Library, Lawson Street, Maryport CA15 6ND
Home Housing Office, Irish St, Maryport CA15 8BY
West Café, 56 King Street, Whitehaven CA28 7JH
Cerebral Palsy Shop, 2A West Street, Wigton CA7 9NP
Oval Centre, Salterbeck Drive, Salterbeck CA14 5HA
Shackle’s Off’ Seascale CA20 1PZ
Millom Library, St George’s Road, Millom LA18 4DD
The Library, Market Square, Cleator Moor CA25 5AP.
A list of Safe Places can be found at http://www.cumbria.police.uk/advice-and-information/personal-safety/safe-places-scheme
