Helping residents and visitors to stay safe
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Wakefield Council and West Yorkshire Police are launching Safe Zones across the district as part of the Safer Together Partnership.
Safe Zones are businesses in the community who have been identified as being a place of safety. They can be identified by a window sticker or floor sticker at the entrance to the business. Staff may also be wearing a lanyard or badge.
“Safe Zones are places anyone can go if they need help when out and about in the district.
“If you feel unsafe, unwell or need help contacting a trusted friend or family member, staff are trained to help you.
“They will be located across the district in places like shopping centres, Council buildings, doctors’ surgeries and some small businesses.
"We want our residents to feel confident. Know that if you need help, there is always someone there.”
Cllr Maureen Cummings
Cabinet Member for Communities and Poverty
Chief Inspector Emma Hooks, Wakefield District Lead for Neighbourhoods and Partnerships, said: “This initiative is all about the community coming together to help keep people safe. It is important that when someone is feeling vulnerable, they know where to go for assistance.
“I would encourage people to download the WalkSafe app. It provides information about your nearest Safe Zones and can help friends and family check that you have got home safely.
“In addition to these Safe Zones at businesses and community buildings, we also have our own Safe Spaces in Wakefield city centre and Pontefract town centre. These are staffed by police officers on Friday and Saturday nights.
“Whether you're out shopping, exercising or enjoying the nighttime economy, be reassured that we are working to make our places safer and provide places of refuge.”
Staff are trained to help residents or visitors if they are lost, feel unwell, are worried or if they need help contacting a trusted person.
Safe Zones are available for anyone to use but they are especially trained to help people with learning disabilities, autism and dementia and are replacing the previous Safer Places scheme.
They were initially trialled in Kirklees by West Yorkshire Police and after a successful launch, have been brought to the Wakefield district.
You can find your nearest Safe Zone by downloading the WalkSafe app or by visiting www.wakefield.gov.uk/SafeZones
Businesses who would like more information about becoming a Safe Zone can contact communitysafety@wakefield.gov.uk.