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First community Safe Places now available to support adults

Safe Places scheme introduced in partnership with Cwm Taf People First

The Council and Cwm Taf People First have introduced the first three dedicated Safe Places in Rhondda Cynon Taf – where any adult over the age of 18 can go if they are lost, feeling scared or vulnerable, or need help. 

Safe Places is a national scheme that establishes locations offering help to someone if they encounter a problem or difficulties when out and about in the community, with the help of trained staff. The new local scheme in Rhondda Cynon Taf is now available to all adults who feel they need a safe place to go – based at Pontypridd Library, Aberdare Library and Treorchy Library.  

Supported by South Wales Police, the new scheme has added these three Council-run libraries to the Safe Places National Network – with the intention of adding the remaining 10 local Council-run libraries in the near future.  

All Safe Places have been registered, and they will have a sticker branded with the Safe Places logo (shown in the image above) to identify themselves to the public. Trained staff at each library will know how best to help a person who attends one of the Safe Places, depending on the situation. This could range from a sit down and a reassuring chat with a friendly face, to getting in contact with friends and family, or calling for help in an emergency.  

People or families who feel they might benefit from the Safe Places scheme can request an application form to sign up. These are available by emailing Cwm Taf People First on enquiries@rctpeoplefirst.org.uk or by calling 01443 757954. 

Those who sign up will need to add two names and contact numbers to their application – of friends or family who are happy to be called by Safe Places staff if help is needed. All members will receive a branded card that that they can show to the staff at our libraries, to help get the assistance that they need. 

Councillor Gareth Caple, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “I’m delighted the three Council libraries in Pontypridd, Aberdare and Treorchy are now designated Safe Places, thanks to this excellent initiative with Cwm Taf People First and South Wales Police. Our libraries are fantastic community hubs and suitable venues to offer this service, which is available to any adult who feels they need a safe place to go.  

“Cwm Taf People First does fantastic work to promote the voices of people with a learning disability in Rhondda Cynon Taf, and the Council is proud to have partnered the organisation over many years. We have worked on many community activities together, including the ‘My Day, My Way’ engagement activity last year. This important exercise has given us greater understanding of the day services which are most important to people with a learning disability, to help them become as independent as possible. 

“We share the view that everyone should feel safe and confident to integrate within their community, and I’m sure that some people will find great comfort in knowing there are local Safe Places that they can go if they need help. The Council and Cwm Taf People First are in the process of establishing a further 10 Safe Places in the remaining Council-run libraries in Rhondda Cynon Taf. 

“The support that an adult receives at a Safe Place could be anything from a quick chat before they feel able to carry on enjoying their day, to staff calling for help if there is an emergency situation. I encourage any adult who feels that they could benefit from the Safe Places scheme in the future to sign up.”  

Posted on 10/02/2023