a scheme to provide places of support for people with disabilities was launched in Swindon yesterday.

Swindon And Wiltshire Safe Places is designed to create hotspots around the town in commercial premises, where people facing any kind of difficult situation can seek refuge and help.

Members will be issued with an emergency card, and staff in stores which sign up to the scheme will know exactly how to respond to a challenging scenario.

Martin Kelly, the chairman of Wiltshire And Swindon Safe Places, said he is in talks with a number of chain stores.

“Anybody who wants to use the scheme can use an ICE – in case of emergency – card,” he said.

“They will then be able to receive low-level support, and on the card will be an emergency contact number for the store to ring.

“They can then be reunited with a carer or a family member and, if it is more serious, they can contact the emergency services.

“This gives the whole idea of community support a structure and community spirit.

“Members of the Safe Places Group will be able to provide backup support, and look at what we can do better.

“There is a degree of nervousness among staff as to whether they are doing the right thing.

“Under this scheme they will have a pack which has all the right information and contact numbers to use in these situations, and they get regular visits from the team to make sure it is sustainable.

“The premise is to give some confidence to people who can feel vulnerable when they are out and about that there are places and people that are willing to help. It is like a safety net.

“One lady told me she would probably never use it but felt more comfortable that it was there.

“We have got 10 stores signed up so far and are in various stages with 20 others.The ICE cards are free and there is no charge to the businesses who sign up either. “ Cliff Moss, 52, signed up to the scheme yesterday and is a member of the steering group co-ordinating the scheme.

“It’s an idea which started five years ago and it is great to see it emerging again,” he said. “If you go out by yourself it is important to know there is somewhere you can find help.”

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland urged more premises to sign up to make the scheme more effective.

“People with disabilities do not want to be seen as vulnerable, but there will be times when particular situations will be challenging for them,” he said.

“With this scheme they can go out with confidence knowing if something does go wrong they have that safe place.”

To learn more about the scheme contact Martin on 07870 643734.