Safe place

In Perth and Kinross, the Safe Place scheme was originally launched by our Community safety team working in partnership with the Centre for Inclusive Living Perth and Kinross (CILPK). Local staff were trained to help people with a disability who may have difficulties accessing assistance or advice while out in public spaces, including the city centre.

How Safe Place works

If someone needs help while they are in the city or local area, they can go into a Safe Place location and ask for support.

Staff at Safe Places can:

• offer reassurance and a calm space
• listen and help someone feel safe
• support someone to contact a trusted person
• provide help until the person feels able to move on

Safe Places are easy to recognise and are there to help people feel more confident and included in everyday community life.

Who Safe Place supports

Safe Place is designed to support people who may find it difficult to access help when they need it, including people with:

• learning disabilities
• autism
• sensory impairments
• hidden disabilities
• communication or cognitive difficulties

The scheme is open to anyone who feels they may benefit from knowing where to go for help.

Safe Place in Perth and Kinross

The Safe Place scheme in Perth and Kinross was developed in partnership with disabled people and local organisations to respond to concerns about accessing help in public spaces.

Local staff at participating locations receive training to ensure they can offer respectful, supportive and appropriate help when it is needed.

Feeling safe in the community

Safe Place supports independence by:

• reducing anxiety about being out alone
• helping people feel welcome and supported
• encouraging confidence in using public spaces

It is not an emergency service, but a practical way of helping people feel safe and included in everyday situations.

If someone is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical or police assistance, emergency services should always be contacted.