Nottingham Building Society joins the ‘Safe Place’ scheme

The Nottingham Building Society has become one of the businesses in Stapleford to take the ‘Safe Place’ training allowing vulnerable people with learning disabilities a safe place to go if they get into trouble or feel unsafe, frightened or bullied.
9 out of 10 people with learning disabilities have experienced a hate incident over the last year; this affects their ability to access businesses and services, (e.g. shops and Sports Centres) in the community and lead a full life.
How does the Safe Places scheme work?
A vulnerable person (such as a learning disability) carries a Safe Places Help Card with their name and emergency contact details. Public premises (like shops, libraries, police stations, pubs) sign up to be officially known as a ‘Safe Place’ for vulnerable people. If a person needs help when they are in the community, they can show their Help card to a member of staff in a Safe Place. Someone will then call their emergency contact or the Police, depending on what the problem is.
Want to become a Safe Place?
We are building a network of Safe Places across the County and City to support vulnerable people access community life.
A Safe Place is a place or business in the community where vulnerable people can go when they are in distress.
What are we asking Organisations and Businesses to do?
Display a Safe Places sticker in the window where it is clearly visible.
Ensure all your staff are aware at the scheme and what is expected of them. Offer a calm and reassuring environment. Offer the vulnerable person a seat in a public part of the building.
When the individual feels better, ask if they have a Stay Safe Card and try to find our what the problem is.
Advantages to the Safe Place Host
- Increased footfall in the business or service
- A good reputation for customer service – helping vulnerable people access and enjoy business and services in the community.
- Listing on the Nottingham Mencap website.
- Increased contact with the Police Service in a non-emergency capacity.