A new initiative is being launched that will pave the way to Newquay becoming the first town in the UK to offer a town-wide approach to providing ‘safe spaces’.
Newquay BID (Business Improvement District) is starting an accredited Safe Space scheme that will offer a place of safety to anyone feeling vulnerable or at immediate risk.
The organisation is urging businesses and groups to join the initiative. Those firms and groups wanting to become a safe space will be supported, with systems in place to protect themselves, their employees and the person at risk.
BID manager Mark Warren said: “We feel that the town is fast becoming a welcoming and safe space. We already have a whole town approach system with communications between CCTV and businesses.
“We’re proud to be leading the way to the UK’s first Safe Space Town supported by local businesses, organisations, and Devon and Cornwall Police.”
The scheme is being backed by Newquay Town Council.
A Newquay BID spokesperson said: “In becoming a Safe Space, you will have the necessary understanding to support a person seeking help and have a list of wider support agencies to contact in order to signpost to the support required.
“It’s Newquay’s ambition to have a town where a person’s safety is of priority. This initiative further supports a well-structured support system within the town with allocated and recognised Safe Spaces.
“With each organisation undertaking safe space, safeguarding and bystander training and meeting advised Safe Space criteria, any person in immediate risk can receive the correct immediate support, whether that be a young person unable to get home safety or anyone feeling unsafe or, of course, at risk of becoming a victim of crime. These are just some examples of the temporary and immediate trained venue support provided by the scheme.”
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