Businesses pledge to help vulnerable people
Wednesday, 14th August 2013.
Vulnerable people in Haverhill are set to benefit from the introduction of a Stay Safe Scheme in their area during Learning Disability Week.
On Monday and Tuesday next week businesses in Haverhill and Lowestoft will be showing their support for the ‘Suffolk Stay Safe’ scheme by receiving training and displaying specially-designed Stay Safe window stickers. By signing up, they’re pledging to help anyone who comes to them for support.
As well as supporting people with learning disabilities, the scheme is also set to benefit young people who are victims of bullying, people with physical disabilities, older people or those who may feel anxious when out in public areas.
People who carry Stay Safe cards, which hold personal information about them including their medical history, communication needs and emergency contacts, can therefore have greater confidence when leaving the house.
The scheme is being launched in Haverhill and Lowestoft by the Suffolk Hate Crime Service. It follows successful roll-outs in 16 other towns and villages across Suffolk. The aim is for every area to be covered by the end of the year.
Suffolk Hate Crime Service constantly works to increase the reporting of hate crime. Between June 2012 and June 2013 there were 608 reports of hate crimes/incidents, 16 per cent of which were disability hate crimes.
Cllr Colin Spence, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for public protection, said: "I am absolutely delighted with the continuing success of this scheme, and our plans to extend it to other areas. It will give vulnerable people a sense of safety and security should they find themselves in a challenging situation.
“I really hope as many businesses as possible will sign up - I am pleased to be able to launch the scheme in line with Learning Disability Week and look forward to seeing the results.”
Businesses interested in registering as a Stay Safe place and people wanting a Stay Safe card should contact the Suffolk Hate Crime Service via www.suffolkhatecrime.org.uk or contact their local Safer Neighbourhood Team.
On Monday and Tuesday next week businesses in Haverhill and Lowestoft will be showing their support for the ‘Suffolk Stay Safe’ scheme by receiving training and displaying specially-designed Stay Safe window stickers. By signing up, they’re pledging to help anyone who comes to them for support.
As well as supporting people with learning disabilities, the scheme is also set to benefit young people who are victims of bullying, people with physical disabilities, older people or those who may feel anxious when out in public areas.
People who carry Stay Safe cards, which hold personal information about them including their medical history, communication needs and emergency contacts, can therefore have greater confidence when leaving the house.
The scheme is being launched in Haverhill and Lowestoft by the Suffolk Hate Crime Service. It follows successful roll-outs in 16 other towns and villages across Suffolk. The aim is for every area to be covered by the end of the year.
Suffolk Hate Crime Service constantly works to increase the reporting of hate crime. Between June 2012 and June 2013 there were 608 reports of hate crimes/incidents, 16 per cent of which were disability hate crimes.
Cllr Colin Spence, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for public protection, said: "I am absolutely delighted with the continuing success of this scheme, and our plans to extend it to other areas. It will give vulnerable people a sense of safety and security should they find themselves in a challenging situation.
“I really hope as many businesses as possible will sign up - I am pleased to be able to launch the scheme in line with Learning Disability Week and look forward to seeing the results.”
Businesses interested in registering as a Stay Safe place and people wanting a Stay Safe card should contact the Suffolk Hate Crime Service via www.suffolkhatecrime.org.uk or contact their local Safer Neighbourhood Team.
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