A scheme to help those with learning difficulties retain their independence is expanding in Kirklees.
The Safe Places scheme run by Kirklees Mencap offers those with learning difficulties a safe haven to turn to if they hit problems when they are out and about.
Many locations are in the town centre.
And the scheme has recently been expanded with the support of the Kirklees Federation of Tenants and Residents Associations (KFTRA).
The association, whose offices are in St John’s Road, Newsome, is the latest in a long list to have its premises now designated a Safe Place.
The idea is that someone who may have lost their purse, or had something unpleasant said about them, can look for a Safe Place, which displays the special logo.
Users also carry a Safe Place Card which gives their details and contact information for their next of kin.
They know they can go to a designated Safe Place and find someone to trust.
Samantha Jones, Safe Places co-ordinator said: “The scheme is to help people with learning disabilities become more independent.
“Being aware there is somewhere safe to go, should they need it, helps to give them confidence.
“It may not be obvious that someone has a learning disability as the nature of the disability varies from mild, to moderate to severe.”
Cora Carter, who chairs KFTRA, said: “This is an excellent scheme and we are happy to put forward our premises as a Safe Place.”
Businesses and organisations already using the scheme include:
Huddersfield and Dewsbury bus and railway stations
REAL Employment, Market Street
Huddersfield Mission Cafe, Lord Street,
The Packhorse Shopping Centre
The Piazza Shopping Centre Management Suite
Deighton Community Sports Arena
Eclipse Dental Care
Huddersfield Students Union, University of Huddersfield.
To find out more about the Safe Places Scheme contact Samantha Jones at Mencap in Kirklees on 01484 340811 or email:
Samantha.jones@mencapinkirklees.org.uk
