A SCHEME which provides refuges for vulnerable people to go if they are abused or harassed in public has been launched in Great Malvern.

The Safe Place scheme is aimed at giving the elderly, those with disabilities, illness, learning difficulties or who just feel in danger when out alone, a range of places they can go for help.

Locations such as shops, businesses and public buildings are identified with a sticker, and staff at these places are trained to provide reassurance and to contact the appropriate support.

People with learning disabilities can register to be part of the scheme and will be given a ‘I need help’ card to carry. The card will have telephone numbers for the Safe Place staff to call.

The scheme initially covers Great Malvern town centre, Barnards Green and Malvern Link, but the plan is to roll it out further across the district as more businesses and organisations come on board.

The scheme, being run by Our Way Self Advocacy is already operating successfully in Kidderminster and Worcester, and the aim is to extend it across Worcestershire.

Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership and West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner Bill Longmore are also backing the project.

Cllr Phil Grove, leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said: “Although Great Malvern is already a safe place to live, work and visit, the Safe Place scheme offers additional reassurance for those who may find themselves in need of help.”

Visit www.ourway.org.uk/safe-place-scheme to find out more about the scheme.