Business backs charity
A dental care practice has become the first Batley business to back a scheme designed to help people with learning disabilities.
Eclipse Dental Care, in Branch Road, has signed up to the charity Safe Places.
The project provides a network for people with learning disabilities, who can go to them for help if they get lost or face other difficulties while travelling independently.
It is led by mental health charity Mencap, with support from West Yorkshire Police and Metro.
Jo Roberts, manager of Eclipse Dental Care, said: “We heard about the scheme through the local traders’ association and wanted to get involved.
“At the meeting we were told about how people can be left frightened and in need of help to make a phone call.
“And how would you feel if it was your family member?
“We are ideally placed in Batley town centre to help where we can.”
Eclipse Dental Care joins 12 other Safe Places in Kirklees, including seven in Huddersfield.
There are also three in Dewsbury and one each in Deighton and Mirfield. Businesses who support the scheme receive a short training session and receive on-going support from a Safe Places co-ordinator.
Jo said: “Our receptionists and admin staff have received training over the last week.
“They will be the first point of call for anyone needing help.”
Businesses involved can be identified by a window sticker.
Specsavers, in Commercial Street, is set to join the charity with training for staff scheduled for March.
Batley Resource Centre has also expressed interest in becoming a Safe Place.
Samantha Jones, of Mencap, said: “The response from the businesses in Batley has been really positive. I am sure that our service users feel much more confident to visit and shop in Batley.
“We are still appealing for more venues and the payback for the community of Batley overall is worth the small commitment it takes to become a safe place.”
Safe Places are all sites that are open to the public such as shops, offices or public buildings.
A spokesperson from Kirklees Council said: “The aim is to help people when they go out and about and to provide places where they can get help or advice.”
For morecontact Samantha on samantha.jones@mencapinkirklees.org.uk or call 01484 340811.
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Wednesday 19 June 2013
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