STAFF at the intu Braehead shopping centre have just completed training for the Keep Safe initiative.

The project, run by the I Am Me community group and Police Scotland, aims to raise awareness of disability hate crimes and to create a network of safe places in the community for anyone who feels vulnerable.

Keep Safe cards detailing information on health concerns, communication needs and who to contact in an emergency are available for people who are elderly, vulnerable or disabled.
And Keep Safe stickers will be displayed throughout intu Braehead and staff will wear Keep Safe badges after their training in how best to help vulnerable people.

Councillor Mark Macmillan, leader of Renfrewshire Council, said: “Everyone should feel safe out and about in their community. The sad fact that so many people suffer from disability hate crime, and that so much of it goes unreported, tells us that more needs to be done.

“We work closely with Police Scotland to bring Keep Safe training to all our council staff, so that they recognise when someone is being victimised and can take action.

“We are proud to display the Keep Safe logo on many of our premises now and it’s great to see such a prominent local presence as intu Braehead now showing its support too.”

Chief Inspector Simon Wright, from Police Scotland said:
“I am delighted that intu Braehead has agreed to take part in the Keep Safe initiative.

“This is a fantastic initiative aimed at providing support for vulnerable persons to give them the confidence to go to places that they otherwise may not go to.

“Intu Braehead has completed extensive staff training in relation to Disability Hate Crime, ensuring staff members are able to assist all members of the community, providing a refuge, or other such help that a person may require.

“Police Scotland will continue to work closely with I Am Me and intu Braehead to make the Keep Safe initiative a success and I would encourage other retailers and businesses to consider how they too can support this extremely worthwhile initiative.”

General manager for intu Braehead, Gary Turnbull said: “We pride ourselves in giving visitors to Braehead a comfortable, safe, pleasant and enjoyable experience.

“This extends to everyone who walks through our doors and we were very keen to be part of the Keep Safe initiative so that everyone coming to intu Braehead feels safe.”

 

safe 1 pic: General manager of intu Braehead, Gary Turnbull receives the Keep Safe training certificate from Megan Milligan, I Am Me Project intern with Police Scotland Inspector Steven Espie, left and intu Braehead customer services manager, Christine Olsen.

safe 2 pic: Police Scotland Inspector Steven Espie pins a Keep Safe badge on intu Braehead marketing coordinator, Kellie Laud

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Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X