Safe Places scheme extends in District

Campaigning young people have helped boost community safety by expanding a national Safe Places scheme across Blaby District.

Blaby District’s Youth Council worked with leisure operator Everyone Active to add Huncote and Enderby Leisure Centres as Safe Places locations within the Safe Places National Network.

The scheme lets venues sign up to offer a place of refuge for people if they feel overwhelmed, threatened or at risk of harm while out and about.  

Support at a Safe Place could include help making a phone call or allowing the person to take time out and just sit calmly.  

Each registered venue displays the Safe Places sticker and is also found on a dedicated app or online at Safe Places

With ease of use on the go in mind the Youth Council urged Everyone Active to get listed on the network’s smartphone app. Following suit, Blaby District Council offices on Desford Road, Narborough, are also now on the app.

The app, which can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play Store, comes up with the nearest open safe place. If there is no Safe Place within a 15-minute walk, it will automatically offer to call the non-emergency 101 number to get help over the phone.

Councillor Nick Chapman, Blaby District Council Portfolio Holder for Health, Community and Economic Development, said: "I am delighted our two leisure centres are now designated Safe Places, thanks to our partners Everyone Active and Blaby District Youth Council’s work.

"We share the view that everyone should feel safe within the community and we are sure people will find comfort in knowing there are local Safe Places they can use if they are feeling unsafe while out and about."

James Naylor, Area Contract Manager for Everyone Active, said: "Everyone Active are pleased to be partnering with the Youth Council and Blaby District Council on this important initiative. Everyone deserves the right to feel safe and have somewhere to go where they can relax and feel protected. We believe the leisure centres are ideal safe places with our fantastic welcoming facilities and our dedicated and caring staff available seven days a week."

The Council and Youth Council are keen to expand the Safe Places scheme within Blaby District. For additional information, or to enquire about your organisation becoming a Safe Place please contact VCSHub@blaby.gov.uk

Councillor Nick Chapman
Portfolio Holder for Health, Community and Economic Development