Cwm Taf People First is a self-advocacy organisation that is set up for and run by adults with a learning disability. Their aim is to ensure people with a learning disability know about their rights and have voice, choice and control in the shaping of new and existing health and social care services.
Emma Alcock, Local Co-ordinator at Cwm Taf People First explained why they decided to run the Safe Places scheme.
Emma said: “Our main priorities at the moment are Health, Housing and My Community. Members don’t always feel safe when they go out independently in the community and heard about the Safe Places scheme that colleagues were running in Cwmbran.
“We had meetings with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and South Wales Police and eventually it was agreed that we would be funded and supported by them and work in partnership with the libraries in RCT to set them up as a Safe Place.”
The Safe Places scheme is designed to give people more confidence and independence when going out and to help them re-connect in their communities.
A Safe Place is somewhere adults who need extra help and support, can go in their community if they are lost, feeling scared or need help. All libraries in RCT have become a Safe Place and they will have a sticker visibly displayed, so that anyone who is part of the scheme, can see it and go in for support.
It’s easy to sign up to the scheme. Emma explains: “To sign up, all you need to do is fill out an application form where you will be asked to provide details of your contacts. Once this is returned to us, we will give you two cards that have the Safe Places logo on, that will fit in your wallet or purse. The cards will have key contact details on just in case you need help.
“If you go into a library and show them your Safe Place card, the staff there will have a chat with you and use the card to contact someone on your behalf if you need them to. The library staff will know what to do and how to help you.”
If you would like to get more information or sign up to the Safe Places scheme, you can contact Emma Alcock at emma@rctpeoplefirst.org.uk or call on 01443 757954.
For more information on Cwm Taf People First, visit: www.rctpeoplefirst.org