Safe Place Scheme Launched in Brixham

The Safe Place Scheme, originally initiated in South Devon and Dartmoor and rolled out through South Hams, Teignbridge and West Devon is now being re-launched in Torbay. The initiative aims to stop the bullying and abuse of vulnerable people and individuals with learning disabilities, providing support and a safe haven when out and about in town.

Shops who are part of the scheme are identifiable through the safe place stickers displayed in their windows and by supporting the scheme are promising to offer shelter and aid to disabled residents who come to them seeking help.

The official re-launch in Brixham on Thursday 1 of July will see Safer Communities Torbay Officers, Police Officers, members of the disability action group ‘Speaking out in Torbay’ (SPOT) and Ace Taxis proprietor Denise McDowell amongst others turn up to raise awareness of the scheme.

Denise McDowell from Ace Taxi’s in Brixham comments;

“What is there not to sign up to? We are 100% committed to providing this service to our customers. Being a victim of crime is an awful experience for anybody, the safe place scheme means that wherever you go and you get into some trouble there are people that you can turn to for help, people you can trust.”

Safer Communities Torbay is supporting the re-launch of the Scheme in response to feedback from Disabled residents at the recent ‘You Said, We Did’ consultations regarding the growing concern surrounding disability hate crime. Tina Feather, regional coordinator for VoiceUK says; “we are aware of the increase of victims with leaning difficulties and are committed to promote better understanding of how to respond to this problem.”

Partnership Inspector, Glen Mayhew commented;

“To be a victim of crime can be a very frightening, lonely and debilitating experience, the safe place scheme aims to offer a little bit of sanctuary to those who are affected. By displaying the stickers in their windows, the proprietors and staff of each of the participating stores are agreeing to help people in need.”

In addition to the re-launch of the Safe Place Scheme, Safer Communities Torbay also ran a Disability Hate Crime Workshop to mark the end of Learning Disability week (21 – 27 June).