From a police perspective: A ‘Safe Place’ for all

It isn’t often that we can discuss the police without the mention of crime or negativity, so Sgt Ryan Reed was thrilled to tell Our Goole about a new scheme that hopes to help the most vulnerable people within our communities.

‘It is important that, as a community, we recognise and support those who are vulnerable and may need looking out for a little bit more. With this in mind, I’m thrilled to talk about The Safe Place scheme that my colleague, Sgt Sarah Gazda, is currently promoting. The scheme aims to give extra support to some of the most vulnerable people in society.

‘It hopes to prevent people who have a learning disability, suffer with dementia or who are vulnerable in another way from being bullied, harassed, lost or confused while they are out and about. The scheme works on the good will of local businesses and establishments within Goole.

‘Those taking part receive an assistance pack containing useful information on how to support people in distress with some practical advice to consider such as the best way to communicate with them and a support flow chart. Local establishments can be easily identified by a prominent Safe Place sticker displayed in the window.

‘The scheme also aims to provide those that are vulnerable with a ‘Safe Place’ members card to carry with them information of who should be contacted to assist them. Often we have found the police have been called to assist in a situation where all a person needs is some friendly support. The Safe Place scheme aims to empower the good willed in our community to give that assistance.

If somebody is experiencing an emergency we still need you to call us, but if it is something that can be solved by support from someone in the community, then patrols can invest their time elsewhere.  If you or somebody you know would like to be involved with the scheme they can get in contact with Sgt Lisa Gazda at Goole Police station and she’ll be happy to help.’