Published on Wednesday 09 July 2025
Safer BCP, the Community Safety Partnership for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, in partnership with People First Forum, is expanding its Safe Places scheme to support everyone across our communities.
Forming part of the National Safe Places Network, the Safe Places scheme was first introduced to the BCP area in 2010 through People First Forum and YMCA’s Chatterboxes project for people with learning disabilities and neurodiversity.
It provides several clearly marked locations such as shops, cafés, libraries and public venues across our area where individuals can go to access help and support if they feel worried or lost whilst out in public.
Staff in these locations are trained to help and can contact someone the person trusts or call emergency services if needed.
There are currently 152 Safe Places in operation across the BCP area.
Initially, these locations were dedicated to providing support for individuals with learning disabilities, but now, with the support of BCP Council’s Community Safety Team, the initiative is being expanded to offer help to anyone who may feel vulnerable, regardless of their age, gender, race, or background.
Councillor Kieron Wilson, Vice-Chair of Safer BCP and the Cabinet Member responsible for community safety at BCP Council, said:
“This expansion is about inclusivity and community support. Everybody living or visiting Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole deserves to feel safe when enjoying our beautiful area, and the Safe Places scheme offers a network of quiet and friendly spaces for people to get help quickly should they need it.
“It’s a simple but powerful way for local businesses and organisations to play a role in building a safe and pleasant place for everyone.”
Amanda Frost, Learning Disabled Assistant Manager at People First Forum, added:
“We hope anyone who may feel vulnerable feels safer when they are out and about in the community knowing the Safe Place Scheme is there to help.”
Council teams, alongside People First Forum colleagues, have already started proactively reaching out to businesses and organisations across Bournemouth with leaflets explaining more about the scheme and how to sign up.
Businesses that sign up will receive full training delivered by People First Forum, and a window sticker to display to show they are a registered Safe Place.
Sam Mister, Manager of Joy Café in Boscombe, which is registered Safe Place business, said:
“It’s so great to have a local Safe Place scheme. As we are a community cafe, we are very pleased to be part of the scheme and make people feel welcome here.”
People First Forum have updated their training materials to reflect the scheme’s wider remit, ensuring that staff are prepared to support a broad range of people in different situations.
The expansion of the scheme is aligned with Safer BCP’s wider commitment to making BCP a safer and more inclusive place to live, and complements other initiatives including the BCP Unity Promise and #JustDon’t campaign, which are designed to enhance public safety and support vulnerable people.
Residents can find their nearest Safe Place using the Safe Places app or online map: Search Safe Places
Businesses and organisations interested in becoming a ‘Safe Place’ can contact People First Forum to register their interest by:
Calling: 01202 051014
Emailing: office.admin1@peoplefirstforum.co.uk
An online version of our leaflet is also available here: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:4ef820fc-3e1c-4464-ab8c-97f23c451501