Keep Safe scheme
Information about the Keep Safe scheme which works with businesses and community buildings to create a network of safe places.
Since 2014, Police Scotland has been working in partnership with award winning community charity, I Am Me Scotland.
This has been to establish a network of Keep Safe places across Scotland. The initiative works with businesses and community buildings. These range from cafes, shops and libraries to football stadiums, museums or local authority premises.
Keep Safe was designed with disabled people. They highlighted that sometimes they may feel lost, scared or vulnerable when out in the community.
However, it can be used by anyone as we can all feel vulnerable at any time.
All prospective Keep Safe places must complete a criteria form which is checked and approved by Police Scotland.
Staff then receive Keep Safe Awareness training and display the Keep Safe sticker in their window.
Anyone who needs assistance can enter a Keep Safe place and the staff within can offer help. They may only need a safe space to wait for a short period before continuing with their day. They may need help contacting a family member or emergency services.
Despite the intended use of Keep Safe places, many people now say they give them the confidence to participate in community life.
People may use a Keep Safe shop or a Keep Safe café and never need to ask for help. However, they report feeling safe knowing staff can provide support, if needed.
Keep Safe cards are available for anyone to use. They can be particularly useful for people living with dementia, people who have hidden disabilities, or specific communication requirements, such as being non-verbal, or being deaf and using lip reading or sign language.
The cards carry information about the holder’s health conditions, communication requirements and emergency contact details.
All Keep Safe places can be mapped out on the ‘Keep Safe Scotland’ App.
This free app allows people to find their nearest Keep Safe place and plan journeys in advance, highlighting Keep Safe places en-route.
Contact details and opening hours are available for all Keep Safe places. The App also provides a direct link to report non-emergency hate crimes to Police Scotland.
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie (Partnerships, Preventions and Community Wellbeing) said: “As Police Scotland’s Champion for Keep Safe it’s phenomenal to see such a meaningful project being celebrated across the country. The number of sites registered is testament to the spirit within our communities and people’s willingness to help others.”
A Keep Safe Awareness lesson is now available in Easy Read on the I Am Me Scotland Learning Platformhere. Access this and find out more about the Keep Safe card and Keep Safe Scotland App.
Keep Safe Information Video (BSL)
If you would like more information about Keep Safe, you can contact I Am Me by emailing iamme@renfrewshire.gov.uk.
