Working Together To Keep Vulnerable People Safe in Southend

March 4, 2016 by Southend Borough Council

Working Together To Keep Vulnerable People Safe in Southend

Thursday 3rd March 2016

A joint project to give adults and young people with additional care and support needs a safe haven whilst out in the town centre is to be launched in Southend-on-Sea. The scheme is being led by the Safeguarding Adults and Children’s Boards in partnership with SHIELDS and Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.

A number of local shops and businesses have signed up to the ‘Keep Safe’ scheme, which means they will let a vulnerable person use their telephone to call someone they trust, or even make a call for them if they are feeling distressed whilst out and about.

Residents can sign up to the scheme and will receive a key ring and card to write their name and the number of someone who can be contacted should they need them. Businesses or retailers who have signed up to help will display a Keep Safe sticker in their window.

Anyone aged 16 or over with a disability or Aspergers can join the scheme by calling the Keep Safe Team on 01702 534544 or emailing info@shieldsparliament.co.uk

Cllr James Moyies, Executive Cllr for Health and Adult Social Care, says: “This is a fantastic project that has worked well in other parts of the county and country and I am delighted that Southend-on-Sea now has its very own scheme.

“Keep Safe is invaluable if a vulnerable person feels distressed, anxious, unsafe or confused, or if they have lost their phone or wallet for example. The council and its partners are committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and it is great to see everyone working together to launch this important initiative.”

Jen Gilliatt, Shields Manager says “Shields are very proud to be launching Keep Safe in Southend. We hope it encourages vulnerable people to have the confidence to enjoy the town centre knowing that there are places they can go if they need help.

“We would also like to thank the venues that have signed up for the scheme and would welcome any others who wish to join this community scheme to contact us as we would like to extend it across the whole of Southend-on-Sea.”