A KIDDERMINSTER opticians has signed up to a scheme to give vulnerable people a place of safety and support when they feel threatened.

Specsavers, in Coventry Street, has become a registered Safe Place to give people who feel under threat somewhere to go for help.

If somebody is being followed, harassed or bullied, they will be able to go into the store where members of staff will make a phone call if necessary and provide a temporary safe haven until help arrives.

A sticker is displayed in the store window to let customers and passers-by know it is a registered safe place.

There is a free app available which shows the location of registered sites, and Specsavers will now appear on the map while people will also be given Safe Place card where they can write emergency contact names and numbers if they need more help.

Store director Tim Reeves said: “We’re delighted to be part of the Safe Place Scheme and hope it helps people feel safer when they’re out in the town.

“Our team is trained and ready to provide support to anybody that comes in asking for help.

“The project is extremely encouraging and shows how we can come together as a community and support one another.

“We have heard of times when people suspect they are being followed, but don’t want to call the police because they don’t think it’s an emergency.

“The scheme aims to change that – and we are pleased to be a place that can offer help and support to vulnerable people in situations like this.”

The Safe Place Scheme project is run by charity Our Way Self Advocacy and to get a card or find out more visit Youth House in Bromsgrove Street, call 01562 820262 or go to http://www.ourway.org.uk/safe-place-scheme/.

People can also visit Specsavers in Coventry Street or call 01562 823552.