A community scheme is looking to make the vulnerable feel safer on the Isle of Wight.
A branch of the national Safe Places scheme has been running on the Isle of Wight for nearly two years.
It aims to provide those who are feeling vulnerable, for whatever reason, with a safe space where they can get the help and support they need.
Spotted in Cornwall
Having had a personal experience where a safe place could have really helped a family member, Jane Hughes, coordinator of Safe Places for the Island, said it was something that made her think there could be more helpful places.
While on holiday in Cornwall, Jane, who has a social worker background, spotted a poster in a cafe saying it was part of the scheme and, after speaking to the council, decided to set it up.
Partnered with People Matter, Inclusion Outright and Healthwatch, the scheme was launched in November 2019 for vulnerable adults and those with learning disabilities.
Impact of Covid
However, due to changes caused by the Covid pandemic, hardly any safe spaces were left, when in some cases people needed them most of all.
Jane said,
“After lockdown, for already vulnerable people it became even more difficult for people stuck in their own homes to go out.
“We want people to know there are places they can go if they are feeling scared.”
35 safe places
There are now 35 locations across the Island in Ventnor, Ryde, Shanklin, Cowes, East Cowes, Newport and Yarmouth ranging from estate agents, Hose Rhodes Dickson, to care homes and pharmacies to shops and cafes.
An App can be downloaded showing all the safe places located on the Island, or if nothing is open it will give you the option to call an emergency number.
Support and advice
The team at Safe Places is able to provide support and advice or training to designated safe places should they need it.
The aim, however, is to get more locations signed up, so the Island can be fully inclusive, filling some of the large gaps in areas at the moment.
The scheme is also looking for locations that open late across the Island, such as pubs and restaurants, to sign up.
Extending the offer
Jane said many of the places already signed up were already providing the community support, but are now extending what they can offer through Safe Places.
Funding from the Isle of Wight Council is set to end in October, but Jane is hopeful through the connections with charities, money can be secured to keep the scheme going.
Find out more
If you are interested in becoming a safe place or want to find out more about the scheme you can visit its Website.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is part of. Read here to find about more about how that scheme works on the Island. Some alterations and additions may have been made by News OnTheWight. Ed
Image: Anaya Katlego under CC BY 2.0
