Safe Place Scheme

What is the Safe Place Scheme?

The Safe Place Scheme helps people with learning difficulties across the country feel confident and safe whilst out and about. If someone feels they are being bullied, abused or harassed while they are out they have “Safe Places” to go to.

Window stickers are used in public places (shops, community centres and libraries etc) that are part of the scheme to identify themselves as Safer Places. Cards are also carried by individuals (sometimes the Hate Crime Reporting Card), with useful contact numbers on (i.e. helpline numbers, carer’s details, family contact details etc).

If an individual needs help they can enter a Safe Place and ask for a contact to be made. A card is not necessary and help can still be asked for from “Safe Places”. Safer Places will be ready to help and assist anyone who goes to them for help and create a temporary safe haven for them whatever the circumstance.

The ‘Safe Place’ recognised symbol

The Safe place/Safer Places logo using the Widgit Symbol is nationally recognised which means safe places can be found all over the country. This logo is easily indentified and highly visible.

Organisations taking part will display this symbol on a sticker normally found somewhere highly visible like a front window.

"I think it is vital that Safe Places schemes strive towards using a common symbol. Many schemes have their own local identities, which is great, but equally people need to know at a glance what Safe Places is all about, and I think your symbol does this well. Also, when people go to new places where different schemes operate, they should be able to recognise the symbol wherever they go. The Widgit symbol helps to unify what people are doing, and helps us move towards a more 'national' identity for Safe Places."

Maggie Graham, Regional Campaigns Officer, Mencap

How we can help

Safer places networks are continually growing and expanding in many areas of the country. If your local authority has a Safe Place scheme and want to use the recognised symbol then this is freely available from us. Please contact copyright@widgit.com

Safe place schemes in your area:

The Safe Place Scheme was initiated by the South Devon and Dartmoor Community Safety Partnership. This is a merged partnership consisting of statutory and voluntary agencies. The project aims to stop bullying and abuse of adults with learning disabilities across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Bracknell
www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/safeplacescheme

Cornwall
http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=22240

Derby
www.voiceuk.org.uk/safe-places
www.derby.gov.uk/community-and-living/crime-prevention/safe-places-in-derby/

Devon and Cornwall
keepingsafe.org.uk/
www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=22240

East Sussex
www.eastsussex.gov.uk/...

Exeter
http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/Businesses-help-provide-Safe-Place

Gloucestershire
www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/keepsafe

Kirklees
http://mencapinkirklees.wordpress.com/today/safe-places/

North Horsham
wordpress.northhorsham-pc.gov.uk/2012/05/11/making-our-community-a-safe-place/

Northumberland
http://www.userforum.org.uk/discussion_forum.html

Peterborough
www.peterborough.nhs.uk/default.asp?id=1213
www.nas-peterborough.org.uk/safeplace.asp.aspx

Stoke
www.stoke.gov.uk/ccm/content/social-care/adult-social-care/safer-places.en