Businesses urged to join ‘Safe Places’ network to help people who feel unsafe

BUSINESSES have been urged to sign up to a scheme offering support to people who feel scared or at risk while out in public.

Safe Places – a national initiative now being rolled out in Jersey – aims to build a network of venues where anyone feeling vulnerable can go for help.

Shops, charities and businesses are being encouraged to register as Safe Places and display a yellow sticker in their window to show they are part of the scheme.

Staff in registered venues will receive basic training so they can offer practical help, such as calling a friend or family member, contacting emergency services or arranging transport.

The initiative forms part of the Building a Safer Community framework – a plan bringing together the police, government and local groups to prevent crime and make the Island safer.

Building a Safer Community co-ordinator Cirsty De Gruchy Moseley said the aim was to help Islanders feel supported wherever they are.

“The idea of the Safe Places scheme is that it helps Islanders feel safe when they’re out and about,” she said.

“We know that while people think Jersey is generally a safe place to live, that’s not necessarily the case for everyone.”

She added: “If you’re walking down the street and you’re not feeling safe for any reason and you see a Safe Place sticker, you can go in there and they’ll help you get the right support.

“That might mean calling emergency services – or it might just be sitting you down, offering a glass of water, reassuring you and calling a friend to pick you up.”

Although only the States of Jersey Police headquarters is listed on the Safe Places app so far, she said that several other organisations – including Jersey Library, Ports of Jersey and Mencap – have pledged to join once training is rolled out later this month.

Ms De Gruchy Moseley said she hoped to see “little yellow stickers all over the Island” in the coming weeks.

“This isn’t just about St Helier,” she said. “We want to reach every parish, so wherever you are, you know there’s somewhere you can go if you need help.”

Businesses and organisations can register by emailing basc@gov.je or visiting the Safe Places page on gov.je.