Safe Place to protect vulnerable residents in Bury

A new project has been launched by Bury Council to protect vulnerable residents when they’re out and about in Bury.

The Safe Place scheme, the first project of its kind in the North West, aims to protect vulnerable people through a network of supportive and helpful businesses and individuals in the local community.

The scheme is expected to be particularly useful for residents who consider themselves vulnerable due to a learning disability, autism, Asperger’s, dementia, physical disability or age.

Peter Miller from Safe Place Scheme Enterprise said: “The way the scheme works is quite simple. Local businesses and other public venues sign up to be ‘Safe Places’. They advertise the fact they’re a ‘safe place’ and available to support any cardholders who request help with a prominent sticker in their store.

“Residents can also sign up to be ‘cardholders’. This means that they’ll be given a ‘Safe Place Card’. The card will contain a short list of contacts that tells businesses who to get in touch with when the person requests help.It’s quite a simple idea, but we believe it can have a really big impact.”

Peter added: “The project has been gathering a lot of interest locally. We’ve hit the ground running and we’re excited to see just how much it benefits the people of Bury. I’ve worked in Bury for 20 years now and I’ve always known the people to be very generous. It’s a great opportunity for everyone. I really hope that local businesses and venues get involved with the scheme and help us to protect those residents within the local community who sometimes need that extra bit of support”.

Councillor Tamoor Tariq, Bury Council’s cabinet member for communities and safer neighbourhoods, said: “The Safe Place Scheme is very much in its infancy and we’re hoping that the people and businesses of Bury get involved and support the scheme.

“We’re hoping to develop an extensive network of venues throughout Bury that are willing to offer help to people in our community who may need a bit of support when they’re out and about. We think the scheme will help our more vulnerable residents to maintain their independence and reassure them that help is always nearby if they need it.”

The Safe Place Scheme has already attracted support from a range of partners including the Mill Gate centre, the Best of Bury, Bury Libraries, Bury Leisure, Persona, Millercare, Supportive Stem and Greater Manchester Police.

Any local businesses or venues who would like to help their local community and sign up to get involved with the scheme should contact Peter Miller by email at enquiries@safeplacescheme.co.uk or by phoning 07443 524693. Full training and guidance will be given to any venue or business that signs up the scheme.

Residents who would like to register with the scheme or find out more should contact the Housing Reception Office at Bury Town Hall on 0161 253 8000. Cards will be available from 14 November 2016.

More information is also available on the Bury Directory website at: https://www.theburydirectory.co.uk/kb5/bury/directory/service.page?id=yHpHzk529LE

ENDS

Press release issued: 3 November 2016.

Picture: At the launch of the Safe Place scheme are (from left) PC Jane Watson, Richard Cross, Peter Miller, Julie Pierce, Kelly Townend, Cllr Tamoor Tariq, Susan Pattison, Michelle Delaney, Emilie Sillett, and Sgt Carolyn Jones.