BUSINESSES in Monmouthshire are opening their doors to a scheme providing support to vulnerable people.

The ‘Safe Places’ initiative has been launched by disability charity Monmouthshire People First, which encourages businesses to display stickers in their windows, showing they can help the elderly, wheelchair users and people with autism or dementia.

It started with the help of Gwent Police, particularly with the support of Monmouth-based Police Community Support Officer Sara Mason, and the scheme has received funding from the Big Lottery fund and £5,000 from Gwent’s Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert.

Mary Allan, facilitator at the charity, said the idea came from the fact that people today are more independent, speaking about an incident where a vulnerable person was left at the bus station completely stranded.

“We want to make our communities more integrated,” she says.

“We’ve had a great response, we’ve already got 50 to 60 businesses on board in Monmouth.

“The response we’ve had from shops and businesses has been great.”

The scheme is only offered to accessible businesses, and already has taken off in Abergavenny and Chepstow. Of all the shops the group has asked, only three have said no. There are now plans for the scheme to expand into Caldicot and then outside Monmouthshire, in Torfaen and Caerphilly.

The charity has teamed up with Monmouthshire County Council’s ASD officer Theresa Jones, and is working with Autism Aware and the Dementia Friends to ensure it is suitable, and that businesses are prepared.

“People can see the sticker and go into the shop and get a glass of water, knowing that they can get some help or just rest,” Mary adds.

“A lot of businesses we’ve spoken to have said ‘we’re already doing this’, but its just giving it a foundation.”

Businesses approved for the scheme will also allow vulnerable people to make a phone call or get directions if they are lost, or if they have experienced a hate crime.

Individuals will be given a key fob with contact numbers for the police, a friends, family member or support worker and a taxi service.

For more information about the Safe Places scheme call 07964 897547.