District Council added to safe place list

Stratford-on-Avon District Council has joined ten other venues in Stratford-upon-Avon as a designated Safe Place, for those with a learning disability to take refuge if needed.

Fear of persecution – motivated by hate, prejudice or hostility – prevents many people with learning disabilities from going out and about. The threat is all too real. National research suggests 9 out of 10 people with a learning disability have been targeted with verbal harassment or violence.

Warwickshire County Council, Warwickshire Police and the Learning Disability Partnership Board joined forces to launch Safe Places in June 2012 with the addition of several Stratford-upon-Avon venues in 2013 and the District Council offices now.

Dave Webb Head of Enterprise, Housing and Revenues Portfolio at the District Council says: “Sadly too many people with learning difficulties are victims of hate crimes and the District Council is pleased that it can offer its premises as a Safe Place providing a refuge for those needing protection from abuse and bullying.  The challenge now is to encourage the expansion of this initiative into the market towns within the District."

The Safe Places in Stratford-upon-Avon, so far, are:                 

• Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6HX
• Stratford Leisure and Visitor Centre, Bridgefoot, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6YY
• Community Learning Disability Hub, Bromford Support, Stratford Cricket Club, Swans Nest Lane, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 7LS
• Stratford Library, 12 Henley St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6PZ
• BHS, 32-34 Bridge Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6AD
• Boots, Bridge Street,11 Bridge Street, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 6AB
• Pizza Express, 5 Ely St, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6LW
• Sainsburys Local, 8-9 Bridge St, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6AB
• Subway, 10 Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6PT
• Waitrose, The Rosebird Centre, Shipston Road, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 8LU
• McDonalds, 6 Bridge Street, Stratford Upon Avon CV37 6AB

Those suffering hate crime should contact Warwickshire Police on the Warwickshire Police hate crime helpline: 0845 129 2221 or if it is an emergency call 999.

Other local businesses interested in joining the Safe Places scheme can find out more from Warwickshire Learning Disability Partnership Board Office on 01926 742414 or www.warwickshire.gov.uk/safeplaces.