Information on Loughborough

Charnwood Keep Safe card now benefits others in Leicestershire

Posted on 08/09/2008

A successful Charnwood-led initiative to help keep young people with learning disabilities safe is now spreading to other parts of Leicestershire and Rutland.  The fold out "Keep Safe" card helps in difficult situations with easy to understand words and pictures.  For example, the card can show what medication they take and who to contact in an emergency.

 

The card was developed after PC Mark Burns from Leicestershire Police asked young people with learning disabilities how emergency workers can provide help quickly in difficult situations.  The local young people helped to design the card, also with help from Jane Bromley, Community Development Worker for the Leicestershire Valuing People team. The card was initially funded by the Leicestershire Learning Disabilities Partnership Board and further funded by Leicestershire County, Leicester City and Rutland Councils.

 

Nicky Morgan, prospective Conservative MP for Loughborough said, "This is a terrific idea and shows what people working together to solve a problem can achieve.  It is great news that the scheme is being used elsewhere in the County."

 

Cllr Peter Lewis, Cabinet Lead Member for Equalities in Charnwood, was also full of praise: "This is quite simply a blessing for everyone concerned.  It’s a sad fact that bullies are too often prepared to target these young people. This offers some effective protection.  At other times, when communication can be difficult, ordinary people offering help may be confused and uncertain what to do. This overcomes that situation. Thanks are due to the Valuing People team and I’m delighted we could pilot it in our Borough."

Julie Bird at the Valuing People Team, Leicestershire County Council on 0116 305 7992 can provide further information about the scheme.