Thursday 21 November 2024
 3.4°C   NNE Moderate Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Community / Network of safe places set up as part of new scheme

A NEW initiative has been launched in Shetland designed to raise awareness of disability hate crime.

In partnership with Police Scotland, a number of local premises have been identified where people can seek assistance and help if they feel lost, confused, scared, in danger, or are feeling vulnerable.

The I Am Me – Keep Safe scheme is being rolled out across Scotland and being led locally by the Shetland Public Protection Committee.

All Keep Safe places can be viewed on the free Keep Safe Scotland phone app available on iOS and Android devices.

In Shetland, Keep Safe places identified so far are:

  • Islesburgh Community Centre, Lerwick
  • University of Highlands and Islands – Lerwick and Scalloway campuses
  • Shetland Library, Lerwick
  • All SRT leisure centres and swimming pools

All participating premises will have a visible ‘I Am Me – Keep Safe’ window sticker and staff will be trained to support anyone who requires assistance.

Keep Safe cards are also available for all members of the community.

The card details information about communication requirements, health concerns and who to contact in an emergency. Anyone needing assistance can enter a Keep Safe place and show their card.

The staff will be able to assist or call the named contact person on the card. Blank cards are available from all Keep Safe premises.

Any business owners who would like their premises to become a Keep Safe space can contact the Shetland Public Protection Committee on 01595 744 411 or email dawn.smith@shetland.gov.uk.

Chair of the public protection committee Lindsay Tulloch said: “The support shown already from local organisations to provide safe spaces and protect people in need of help demonstrates the value of community we have in Shetland.

“We must work together as a community and with Police Scotland to raise awareness of Hate Crime, and support those who are vulnerable and in need of assistance.

Become a member of Shetland News

 

“We’d welcome interest from any other premises or organisations who wish to join this initiative.”

Police inspector Sam Greshon said: “The collaboration shown by the community and police in supporting this initiative shows the commitment to prevent hate crime.

“It also raises awareness of the challenges faced and the need to support anyone who may experience ate crime, including exclusion due to a disability or perceived disability.

“The value of partnership working around such key topics and from a community perspective cannot be understated.”

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
Categories
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.