Liberal Democrats on Redcar and Cleveland Council were successful in persuading the council to back fully the “Safe Place Scheme” today.

Safe Place Schemes are places in the community where people who need extra support can go if they need some help. This ‘help’ can range from a phone call to home to ask a relative to pick them up or help with directions. Safe Place Schemes can be any community venue, ranging from a library to a local business. The idea behind Safe Places is that vulnerable people, typically those with learning disabilities, can use the venues if they are feeling unsafe.

Marske Councillor Karen King, who proposed the motion, said:

“When I looked for safe places near where I live was surprised to find that there were none. The nearest and only location to have any designated safe places is Loftus.

“I started knocking on doors of businesses in Marske to find out that no one knew about it and that they were more than willing to take part. Via social media word spread to Redcar and a few business approached me wanting to sign up. I have had meetings with carers together who already have their own plans for dementia friendly safe places so we are hoping to work together on this.”