The Safe Place Scheme was launched in Buckinghamshire in 2012 and has built a network of suitable venues and businesses across the whole county where anyone can go for help and assistance if they find themselves in need while out and about in their local community.
Having access to a 'Safe Place' offers anyone who is vulnerable, feeling confused, scared or upset to have somewhere they can go to ask for help.
How does the scheme work?
Businesses who are part of the Safe Place Scheme will display the 'Safe Place' sticker, which lets a vulnerable person know that they can go in and ask for help.
The aim is to provide reassurance to vulnerable people and their carers, or people who find themselves in challenging situations, so that they can live more independent lifestyles with help available when they are out in the community.
A vulnerable person may carry a Safe Place emergency contact card that they can show to a business, however, this is not a requirement.
What will businesses be expected to do?
If a vulnerable person seeks help at a business, members of staff would be expected to make a phone call if necessary, provide a temporary safe haven, offer water or a cup tea or similar if possible, and to reassure them and keep them safe until help and support arrives.
Learn more about the scheme and what businesses can be expected to do via this informational flyer >
Sign up your business
If you run a business and would like to sign up to the scheme, contact Buckinghamshire Council's Community Safety Team at [email protected].
Would you or someone you know benefit from this?
Find Safe Places near you >
If you or someone you know would benefit from having an emergency contact card on them while out and about, email [email protected] to learn more about this.
For further information on the Safe Place Scheme, visit the Buckinghamshire Council website.
