During Learning Disability Week a scheme in Leeds aimed at helping
people with a learning disability to deal with any problems they
encounter while out and about in the community was launched at
Leeds Bus Station. The Leeds Safe Places scheme is being led by
adult social care services in Leeds in partnership with third
sector organisations, West Yorkshire Police and Leeds and York NHS
Partnership Foundation Trust.
It will provide a network of safe
places across Leeds that people with a learning disability can go
to if they are lost or are faced with dealing with any difficulties
while they are out and about in the city. Leeds City Bus Station is
the first Safe Place in Leeds.
Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, executive
member with responsibility for adult social care said, "I am
delighted to be launching the Safe Places scheme in Leeds. It is
hugely important that people with a learning disability are able to
enjoy their lives to the full in and around their local
communities. The Safe Place scheme is a really good way of giving
learning disabled people extra confidence to get out and about,
safe in the knowledge that assistance is available if they need
it.
"I would encourage local businesses to register to be part of
this scheme so that we can make sure that Leeds really is a safe
place for vulnerable adults."
Councillor James Lewis, Metro Chairman, speaking at the event
said, "This is a very valuable scheme and builds upon the work
Metro has already carried out to support the introduction of Safe
Place at its Bradford Interchange bus station, and at other bus
stations across West Yorkshire."
The aim of the launch event is to encourage more businesses and
organisations to register as a Safe Place. The council are looking
for a wide variety of businesses, places of interest and community
venues, such as shops, sports centres, libraries and cafes to join
the scheme.
Following their training they will be issued with the nationally
recognisable Safe Places sticker, which they can display in their
window. People with a learning disability join the scheme and
receive a distinctive wristband together with an emergency contact
card.
The card has space for scheme users to write their name together
with up to three telephone numbers/emergency contact names. In the
event that they require assistance, they will look for a window
sticker and tell the staff at the Safe Place that they need help.
Staff will telephone one or more of the numbers listed on the card
until they are able to speak with someone who knows the person and
who can provide support.