People in Thame now have somewhere to go if they are feeling lost, worried or threatened, following the launch of Safe Places in the town.
Premises taking part in the Safe Places scheme display a distinctive Safe Places logo in the window. If someone is feeling vulnerable, then specially trained staff will be available help keep them safe.
Safe Places has been launched in Thame following the success of the scheme in Henley, Wallingford and Didcot. In total, more than 50 premises have now signed up in South Oxfordshire, including seven new locations in Thame, three in Wheatley and four in Chinnor. To find where the Safe Places are visit safeplaces.org.uk.
Under the Safe Places scheme people can request a special card to carry when they are out and about. This provides details of someone to contact if they need help. However, you don’t need to have a Safe Places card to enter a participating location and ask for assistance.
If you or someone you know wishes to request a Safe Places contact card, or you are a business interested in becoming a Safe Place, please email South Oxfordshire District Council’s Community Safety Team via [email protected] or call 01235 422593.
The Safe Places scheme is supported by the South and Vale Community Safety Partnership, Oxfordshire Family Support Network and Age UK Oxfordshire and the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Cllr Caroline Newton, Cabinet Member for Community Safety at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We had a really positive response to the Safe Places launches in Henley, Didcot and Wallingford so I’m delighted that we can now add Thame to that list and that a number of local businesses have already signed up. Safe Places provides an important reassurance and help for vulnerable people who may experience difficulties in public spaces.”
Jan Sunman, a volunteer from Oxfordshire Family Support Network, said: "This scheme provides great peace of mind to vulnerable people and their families. Their relative may have a learning disability or be a frail elderly person , or they may have dementia or have mental health needs. They might be a young person being bullied or harassed. They can go to a Safe Place and ask for help to contact their supporter or family. The Safe Place will support them until help arrives.”
