Kidderminster BID Supports Safe Place Scheme
Kidderminster BID has supported an initiative aimed at giving people a short-term safe place if they are feeling threated when they are out and about. It’s aimed at vulnerable people and people with learning disabilities.
The Business Improvement District has encouraged more local businesses to join the scheme and display a Safe Place sign.
This tells people that staff at the premises will help them if they have a problem or are worried about something.
People may need help if they are:
- Being harassed or bullied
- If they have lost their money or belongings
- If they are lost
- If they have had an accident
- If they are being followed
- If they are scared
Kidderminster BID Manager Alex Powell said: ‘We are pleased to support the Safe Place scheme.
‘Creating a safe and secure town centre is one of our top priorities. Our aim is to make the town a thriving, welcoming, safe place for everybody.’
The successful Safe Place scheme was set up by Our Way, a charity based in Kidderminster, several years ago. Our Way provides support for people with learning difficulties and autism.
The Safe Place scheme has been supported by the police and has been rolled out to all main towns in Worcestershire.
Anyone who needs help is asked to find a shop assistant or worker in the supporting business who will provide reassurance and a safe and quiet place to be. Depending on the problem contact may be made with a support worker, a parent, a family member, the police, or a friend.
Kidderminster BID has encouraged more places to sign up to the scheme. New additions include Geek Retreat and truGym in Kidderminster.
Our Way Development Worker Caroline Jones said: ‘Having support from Kidderminster BID has really helped us to give the scheme a bigger voice and make people aware of it and what it does.’
The Kidderminster BID website is also being updated to identify ‘Safe Places’ in the town centre.
Members of Pubwatch in Kidderminster have been made aware of the scheme and public houses have been invited to join. Pubwatch is supported by Kidderminster BID and aims to build a community of night time establishments who work together to try to give a more safe and enjoyable night out in the town.
Kidderminster BID has also organised training provided by West Mercia Police to raise awareness of exploitation and vulnerability. The free training took place on May 24th and it was open to members of Pubwatch and businesses in Kidderminster town centre.
Pictured are: PC Andy Forbes, Our Way member Nisha Balu, Kidderminster BID Manager Alex Powell, Our Way Development Worker Caroline Jones, Our Way Administrator Selina Tipper and Our Way member Dylan Garbett.
