A new initiative which was launched in Romsey to help vulnerable people feel more secure will be coming to Andover.
Test Valley Community Services (TVCS) launched the Safe Place scheme last month and the initiative has already had a warm welcome from many shops, cafés and community organisations which will display a special logo on their door or window.
Assisting people who have become worried about going out on their own, the initiative is designed to help them regain their independence – and is of particular advantage to the frail elderly, the disabled and people with learning difficulties.
Initiated by Hampshire County Council the project will extend into Andover in the coming months. The scheme officially launched by Mayor of Romsey Cllr John Parker at a meeting for the Romsey Dementia Action Group is in partnership with Test Valley Borough Council and Simply Health.
Terry Bishop, CEO of TVCS says, “Local businesses can sign-up to the Safe Place initiative and the sticker in their window signals to vulnerable people that they will find support and help inside.
“Staff receive basic awareness training on the scheme, the difficulties that people may experience and how they can help them.”
People who want to join or who have relatives that would benefit from the scheme, can apply to TVCS for a small credit card-sized identity card with the telephone numbers of two trusted adults, these can be relatives, friends, support workers, carers, etc.
