New scheme to help city's most vulnerable launched today (From Daily Echo)

New scheme to help city's most vulnerable launched today

5:56am Tuesday 12th February 2013 in News

VULNERABLE adults in Southampton will be able to seek help wherever they are in the city thanks to the expansion of the Safer Places Initiative launched today.

Following the success of the scheme in Bitterne, Portswood and Shirley, the project is being rolled out across the city to ensure there are safe havens for those feeling isolated and afraid.

The Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Derek Burke, will launch the Safer Places scheme city wide today at 10am on the lower ground floor of the WestQuay shopping centre.

A Safer Place is a business or shop that has agreed to offer support if someone has a negative experience when out in their local community.

They could be a victim of crime, feel frightened, intimidated or simply lost.

The safe places can be identified by a large brightly coloured Safe Places logo stuck on the windows or doors of businesses and organisations that have signed up to help with this initiative.

Councillor Matthew Stevens, cabinet member for adult services, said: “The Safer Places scheme is part of a wider ‘Respect me’ campaign which aims to improve the experience of disabled people in the community.

“Despite several recent well publicised cases, some disabled people are still victims of bullying and harassment when they go out.

“Often, this leaves them feeling very vulnerable and afraid.

“This is why I am delighted that the Safer Places scheme is being rolled out across the entire city as it will provide a safe haven for anyone who needs help.”