A successful scheme is being extended across Wyre Forest that offers vulnerable people a safe place to go if they have a problem or worry when out and about in Bewdley, Kidderminster and Stourport-on-Severn town centres.

On Thursday 11 December, the Safe Place Scheme is being re-launched in Kidderminster town centre. The launch is in the Corn Exchange at Kidderminster Town Hall, from 9am and forms part of the Crime Free at Christmas Event being held by Safer Wyre Forest.

All safe places are identified by having a Safe Place sticker displayed. Locations have trained staff members that are able to give reassurance and help people contact the appropriate support. The list of places signed up to the scheme is on the Our Way website www.ourway.org.uk Caroline Jones from Our Way said “18 months ago a group of vulnerable young people from Our Way discovered that their friends felt worried and anxious when out and about in their community and wanted to set up the Safe Place scheme in Kidderminster town centre. The scheme has worked well so with our partners we applied and were successful in receiving funding from the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner to roll the scheme out across Worcestershire.“ Kathryn Washington, on behalf of Safer Wyre Forest said “Safer Wyre Forest and West Mercia Police are pleased to be working in partnership with Our Way to support and develop the Safe Place scheme. Supporting vulnerable people and helping them to feel safe and more confident is important to us and we look forward to working together to launch the scheme in town centres across Worcestershire.”