Around 30 businesses in Melksham to have signed up to the national ‘Safe Places’ scheme which encourages businesses to provide initial support to anyone who feels lost and vulnerable when out and about in their community.
Safe Places are there to be used when people may feel in need of a little extra help or support for various reasons; for example, during times of anxiety, fear or distress.
Businesses and organisations who are part of the Safe Places project will display an A5 size round Safe Place sticker in their window to alert people that they are a ‘Safe Place’.
People can choose to carry an ICE card (In Case of Emergency), which they can show when they use a Safe Place in order to obtain the support they require. These ICE cards are available through the Safe Places scheme and can be obtained from members of the steering group and local libraries.
People can also choose to show other emergency and support cards where appropriate, for example, dementia helpcards.
One of those to sign up to the scheme in Melksham is Kingstons estate agents.
Phil McMullen from Melksham Community Area Partnership said, “It is great that Kingstons have got on board with so many other Melksham businesses, as it really is a valuable tool for anyone feeling vulnerable or might need some help. I am sure all businesses in Melksham would be welcoming but this scheme allows visitors to have confidence that the community in Melksham is there to help.”
Alistair Saunders from Kingstons said, “We are pleased to join such a valuable and worthwhile community scheme. We would open our doors to anyone that needs help and we welcome anyone that needs to use us as a safe place.”
In Wiltshire, Safe Places has received funding from the Wiltshire Police Commissioner through the Wiltshire Community Safety Partnership.
If you would like a visit concerning ICE cards or anything else to do with Safe Places, please contact Phil McMullen at BA1plus@outlook.com
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