Officers deliver input to include iconic venue in list of safe spaces
Officers from Greater Glasgow Division delivered enhanced training to staff at one of the city’s most iconic venues today, Friday 28 April.
Staff at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum received an insightful input on how to identify and support vulnerable visitors to the venue and offer them a safe space.
The venue can now advertise itself as an approved Keep Safe location following receipt of the training.
Keep Safe is an award-winning joint initiative with Police Scotland and charity, I Am Me Scotland. It was developed in 2014 to help vulnerable people participate in community life and allows them to enter a visibly accredited venue to seek support or signposting to other agencies.
Inspector Mhairi Crawford of Glasgow West End Police Station, said: “The Keep Safe initiative has evolved across the country and is now a national network with more than 900 approved premises. This is a huge support network for those in our communities who are vulnerable and need advice, breathing space or just someone to talk to.
“The training helps the recipients identify and meaningfully engage with anyone in need of support and gives the staff the opportunity to signpost those in need to the appropriate agency.
“Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is such an iconic landmark and its accreditation as a Keep Safe location is testament to the spirit of its staff who have shown a real willingness to support the community.”
Phillipa MacInnes, Manager of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, said: “Now, more than ever, we are aware of the wellbeing benefits associated with visiting museums and taking part in cultural and sporting activities. Glasgow museums are free for everyone and we have an important role to play in ensuring they are a safe space and accessible to as many people as possible.
“We are pleased to join the network of Keep Safe locations across the city, and work with Police Scotland and I Am Me Scotland to help support anyone who requires a little space or someone to talk to. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a really special place, somewhere people can come together to talk, appreciate the artworks or simply enjoy a coffee, everybody is welcome.”
Anyone who needs assistance can enter a Keep Safe venue and seek help. The venues will be advertised and the staff within are trained to help.
Please note the venues do not replace the traditional means of reporting crime. Reports can be made via our contact centres, online or through a Third Party Reporting Centre.
