Rochdale Safe Place Scheme enables vulnerable people to find a safe place anywhere in the borough

Safe Place logo 2021

Safe spaces for vulnerable people have been launched by social care provider Future Directions.

The Rochdale Safe Place Scheme is a voluntary system that allows vulnerable people, such as those with learning disabilities and autism spectrum conditions, to seek refuge in a safe and supportive environment – from shops and businesses to public buildings.

With funding from the Rochdale Safer Communities and Rochdale Borough Council, the Rochdale Safe Place Scheme is run by Future Directions’ SPICE group - Supporting People in Community Employment, which focuses on underrepresented sections of the community with learning disabilities and autism spectrum conditions.

The SPICE Group’s Rochdale Safe Place Scheme covers the whole of the Rochdale Borough Council boundary, from Middleton to Littleborough as well as Rochdale town centre.

To sign up to the scheme, a business needs to be open to the public and be fully accessible for people with disabilities. If assistance from the emergency services is needed, the police or ambulance could be called from there. The person can stay till they are ready to leave. This scheme is intended to provide a short-term place of safety.

All participating businesses and public places need to display a Safe Places poster on their premises in an easily visible place. They will be encouraged to give staff training on the Rochdale Safe Place Scheme, so they would know what to do when a vulnerable person needs support.

SPICE will provide a training video and information pack to support organisations who sign up to the scheme.

If your business is interested in joining the Rochdale Safe Place Scheme, please contact Jenny Neville at Future Directions on jennifer.neville@futuredirectionscic.co.uk.