A NETWORK of 'safe places' has been set-up across Craven where people feeling anxious or at risk can seek help.

They are among more than 100 venues in the county – including libraries, community centres and pharmacies – taking part in the first phase of the scheme.

The premises display a special Safe Place symbol in a window or door so anyone out and about who begins to feel anxious or at risk – be it because they have learning difficulties, disabilities, frailty, dementia or mental health problems – can look out for the logo and get help.

The project has been established by the county council in conjunction with the police, district councils, the voluntary sector, travel organisations and pharmacies.

"Safe Places is designed to give people the confidence to go out in the knowledge that, if they cannot cope or feel at risk, there is a network of premises where they can get help quickly," said County Councillor Clare Wood, executive member for adult social care and health integration.

"This is a truly excellent scheme which strengthens our communities.

"We hope the Safe Place sign will become a very widely used symbol across the county as an indication that North Yorkshire is a welcoming and caring place.

"It is a very practical scheme which helps us to look out for one another in our day-to-day lives.

"Safe Places can help a wide range of people from those who are feeling confused or lost and need somewhere to sit and get hold of a friend or relative, to those who have been abused or assaulted and need somebody to call the police."

Chief Inspector Nick Hunter, hate crime lead for North Yorkshire Police, said the venture was about best practice and improving quality of life.

"Everybody has the right to go out in their community and visit places and feel safe," he said.

"We hope this scheme will give people, some of whom might be fearful to step outside their front door, the confidence to go out knowing that there will be a safe haven at hand."

In a second phase, the county council plans to widen the scheme to include GP surgeries and commercial and business organisations.

Current safe places in Craven include: the council offices at Belle Vue Square, Skipton; libraries in Bentham, Cross Hills, Embsay, Gargrave, Grassington, Ingleton, Settle and Skipton; pharmacies in Grassington, Holme Lane, Cross Hills, High Street, Gargrave, and Newmarket Street, Skipton; Limestone View extra care scheme, Settle; Skipton Children's Centre, Brougham Street, Skipton Jobcentre Plus; and Skipton Youth and Community Centre, Otley Street.

Visit northyorks.gov.uk/safeplaces for more details and locations of safe places.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the scheme or registering as a safe place should email safeplaces@spsdoorguard.com or call 03307 260260.