Keep Safe is a partnership initiative developed between Police Scotland and the ‘I am Me’ community led charity to raise awareness and increase reports of disability hate crime.
Keep Safe works with a network of local shops, businesses and organisations, to create Keep Safe places for disabled, elderly and vulnerable people to go if they are lost, scared, need help, or if they are the victim of crime.
If someone requires assistance, they can enter a Keep Safe place, indicated by a poster and window sticker displaying the ‘I am Me’ logo and trained staff will assist them. This help may be offering them a seat, giving them some reassurance and a cup of tea or calling a carer or family member. If the person is a victim of harassment/abuse or crime, then the staff member can contact someone who can help, or contact the Police if necessary.
The initiative also provides Keep Safe cards for people who are disabled or otherwise vulnerable, which can hold information about their health, contact details of people who can help them and their communication needs.
The Keep Safe initiative is already running successfully in other local authority areas with over 250 Keep Safe premises throughout Scotland, and although there are a few Keep Safe places in the Moray area, I am Me and Police Scotland are keen that more shops, businesses or other organisations join the scheme, making Moray an area recognised for its inclusivity and where everyone can feel secure whether going about their daily business or visiting the area.
Staff and volunteers from Circles Advocacy in Elgin will be visiting premises with further details of the scheme in the very near future, but if you would like to register an interest in the meantime, please email David Slessor.
If you would like more information on Keep Safe, please visit their website.
or contact the I Am Me Project here.
