With stores due to get increasingly busy with Black Friday and Christmas approaching, shoppers are reminded that “keep safe places” are available.
With darker nights now here as well, Leicestershire County Council is reminding residents that a number of venues are available in busy retail areas across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland for anyone who feels overwhelmed, vulnerable, scared or distressed.
Stickers can be seen at the front of ‘keep safe places’ which include libraries and shops that have signed up to the scheme.
Handy videos which outline how to use them are available here and here
Christmas is a busy time and the large number of people around can leave some people feeling overwhelmed, anxious or scared.
“Staff of participating Keep Safe Places can offer basic support, including a place to sit down. They can also contact friends or relatives if necessary – or the emergency services if needed.
“Knowing there’s somewhere to go to for assistance offers reassurance. If you have any friends or relatives who you think would benefit from knowing about the scheme, please do pass the message on.
Person:Ivan Ould, Leicestershire County Council’s cabinet member for Safer Communities
Keep Safe Places is a local partnership scheme led by county council with the police, city and district councils, local community partnerships and Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland.
Council offices, police stations and libraries also provide Keep Safe cards which show the details of who to contact in an emergency, or medical assistance that may be needed.
Keep Safe Place users also have the option of being referred to First Contact, a multi-agency initiative that checks if people would benefit from a host of services and advice such as getting the right benefits, smoke alarms, help with their finances or support for carers.
Find your nearest Keep Safe Place or find out where to get a Keep Safe Card, look out for a window sticker/poster.