Lancashire Disability Champion launches Safety in Town scheme

A scheme to improve safety for people with disabilities and anyone who feels vulnerable when out and about in Lancashire was launched this week.

County Councillor Peter Steen, Lancashire County Council's champion for disabled people, launched the Safety in Town programme at an event in Plungington Community Centre, Preston , yesterday.

Safety in Town, which has been developed by the Lancashire Learning Disability Partnership Board (LLDPB), ensures people can access welcoming and safe places to get help when they need it.

Libraries, shops, bus stations, community centres and other organisations have signed up to the scheme. They display the Safety in Town logo to let people know they are part of the programme.

County Councillor Steen said: "Safety in Town is an excellent idea. It's designed to reassure people as they will know there is always somewhere close by they can go for help if they need it.

"When they see any shops, bus stations and other buildings displaying the Safety in Town sticker, they can be reassured they will be welcomed by understanding people in a safe place who have had training about the issues that people with disabilities and anyone else who feels vulnerable may face.

"Staff will help by contacting your friends, family members or carers who can come to get you if you need support or by calling the police if you need to report any crimes or incidents. They will wait with you until help arrives."

Safety in Town has been developed by people with disabilities who worked with LLDPB to outline what type of support they need while getting around.

Officers from Lancashire County Council, Lancashire Constabulary, Self Advocacy in Lancashire and other organisations who make up the board have been working with businesses, shops and other agencies to get the scheme up and running over the last two years.

They have also produced cards where people can keep their details handy in case they need to use them in a Safety in Town place.

County Councillor Steen added: "Shops, businesses and a range of organisations have shown tremendous support for Safety in Towns.

"They've been happy to display the signs and taken on board the tips we've given them about the type of support people will need.

"The more organisations who are on board with this scheme, the better it will be and I'd encourage even more to get in touch to support Safety in town.

"We hope this scheme will help disabled people and anyone else who may feel vulnerable when getting around to stay safe while they're out and about around Lancashire."

For more information about the Safety in Town scheme, visit : http://www.lldpb.org/stay-safe/safety-in-town/