More "Safe Places" across Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is working with partners in the expansion of the Safe Places scheme to the south of the county. This initiative encourages local shops, businesses and facilities – such as libraries, museums and leisure centres – to sign up for and to provide a safe place if someone is feeling lost, confused, anxious or threatened.
On 4th December, crews from Didcot will be telling the community about the Safe Places scheme in their area with a stand outside Sainsbury’s.
Last week, crews from Wallingford fire station raised awareness about these havens in Wallingford, where 9 places signed up to the scheme.
Gary Coupar, Group Manager, City, South and Vale at Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service said: “Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service are extremely proud to be involved with the Safe Places scheme, aimed at the heart of our core values in helping those most vulnerable in our communities. People have the right to feel safe when out and about, and we can all play a part in making that happen
Kate Terroni, Director of Adult Social at Oxfordshire County Council said: “We want to enable more people with learning disabilities to be present and take an active part in the community. It is important that everyone is safe while out and about. The Safe Places scheme is a way in which people living in the Wallingford and Didcot and other areas can support vulnerable people in their community and help them feel safe.”
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service are working with colleagues from the Social and Health Care Team and partners like SODC Community Safety Teams, Thames Valley Police, Age UK and Waitrose.
How does it work?
Businesses that take part in the scheme are identified with a distinctive logo in the window, which will be issued with the approval of local Thames Valley Police officers and periodically checked by Safe Places volunteers.
Cards can be carried by the individual with contact numbers on for family members, adult social care and the police. You can pick up a ‘Safe Place’ card from a Safe Place location or by emailing communitysafety@southandvale.gov.uk.
What help can be provided?
If you have a Safe Places card, a member of staff can phone your nominated person, whether it be a carer or family member. Whether you have a Safe Places card or not, you can enter a participating location and ask for assistance. A trained member of staff will be able to help you.
Didcot Safe Places - from 4 December 2017
-
Age UK shop
-
Didcot Bingo
-
Co-op Wantage Road
-
Changing Lives shop
-
Civic Hall
-
Co – op Broadway
-
Cornerstone Arts centre
-
Didcot Police Station
-
Didcot wave
-
The Meadows – health and wellbeing centre
-
K&K news
-
Didcot Leisure centre
-
Didcot Library
-
Sainsbury’s (Orchard centre)
-
St Peters Church
-
Wikinson's
