Suffolk launches ‘Stay Safe’ card scheme

Suffolk’s Hate Crime team has launched a new safety initiative to help protect vulnerable people when they’re out and about in Suffolk.

The ‘Stay Safe’ scheme, which was launched in Felixstowe ahead of its county-wide rollout, will give ‘Stay Safe’ cards to young people and adults with learning disabilities. The cards, which provide vital information about the card holder as well as helpful contact details, are there to give the person more confidence when leaving the house and enable them to be more independent in every day life. Card holders will soon be able to visit shops, restaurants, pubs and banks that support the scheme, all displaying specially-designed 'Stay Safe' window stickers. These safe places will have staff trained in how to support an individual who comes to them for support.

County Councillor Kathy Gosling, Portfolio Holder for Sport, Culture, Diversity, Health and Wellbeing said; “All those involved in the project recognise the need for all individuals to feel safe in their environment and understand the importance of having places they can identify as safe places to go for help if necessary."I am absolutely delighted that a scheme of this kind is being launched in our county. It will give vulnerable people a sense of safety and security should they find themselves in a challenging situation. I hope as many businesses as possible will sign up to join the scheme. We are pleased to be able to launch this scheme and look forward to seeing the results.”

The scheme is a project run by Suffolk's Hate Crime Service, in partnership with Suffolk Acre, learning disability groups and Suffolk Youth Parliament. The Hate Crime Service is co-ordinated by Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Police, and was set up to combat discrimination and hate incidents. Allocated workers from the team are on hand to support all those who have been victims.

Every incident is recorded and reported to Suffolk Police through the dedicated Hate Crime team number: 01473 668966.

The Hate Crime service supports people in all walks of life who have experienced prejudice on the grounds of race, religion or belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or age.