Safe Places – we’re here for you!

Community partners in Darlington have signed up to a special scheme offering a safe place to anyone who feels threatened, distressed or vulnerable.

The Safe Place scheme is a national initiative whereby venues are registered as a Safe Place having agreed to offer help and support if someone is anxious, scared or believes they may be at risk.

The council’s community safety team has been working with Darlington Association on Disability (DAD) and Darlington Connect to launch the scheme in Darlington.

Already, 18 venues across the town centre have signed up and will display the distinctive Safe Place sticker highlighting that they are part of the scheme and can provide support to anyone feeling vulnerable or at risk.

Councillor Jim Garner, the council’s cabinet member for stronger communities, said: “The Safe Place scheme is a vital step in ensuring that everyone in our community feels safe, supported and secure.

“By working together, we can create a network of safe havens that allow individuals to seek help when they need it most.”

Tracy Roberts, deputy chief executive with DAD, explained: “We help run the Learning Impairment Network which is made up of several agencies and people with lived experience. Members raised the need for the scheme, and we’re delighted that the council’s community safety team has worked with the group to introduce it.

“Network members value it as a way to feel safer when accessing the town centre and we’re keen to ensure local people know about it and discuss how best it can be promoted.”

She added: “The network exists to bring people together to improve the lives of those with a learning impairment. Community safety is very important to members, and the Safe Place scheme offers people a place to go if they feel unsafe and need help.”

The Safe Places National Network brings together all the Safe Place schemes, with information in one place. You can find out more and check locations at www.safeplaces.org.uk or you can download the Safe Places app from the App store to check where the Safe Places are.

Photo caption L-R: Adele Morris, development manager, Darlington Connect; Uche Ezekwueme, community safety team, Darlington Borough Council; Richard Garrett, community safety team, Darlington Borough Council; Steven Roberts, Learning Impairment Network; Chris Knox, head of community safety, Darlington Borough Council and Emma Wilson, operations manager, Darlington Connect.