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 2 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.
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. 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.”
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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.
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.
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.
If you are interested in becoming a safe place or want to find out more about the scheme you can visit its website www.safeplacesiow.com.
As long as it really does mean vulnerable and not just what some call vulnerable, like nasty violent individuals who get away with allsorts because someone says they are “vulnerable”, I never understand that, hear a violent drunk described as being vulnerable, what about the people who they terrorize? I’d call their victims the vulnerable ones but the do good brigade say no the victims because they made different choices are “privileged” no matter that they may have had worse things in life to contend with. So yes in this case I hope that vulnerable really does mean vulnerable.
Are the police allowed to follow you in there…????