It’s important to feel safe when you’re out in public but not everyone feels confident and comfortable in crowds. My local council, North Tyneside has developed a Safe Place scheme to support vulnerable people to feel safe when they’re out and about in the borough.
The scheme involves a growing network of local businesses, including banks, post offices and cafes, who have agreed to be a Safe Place, where anyone who feels unsafe of vulnerable can call in and ask for support. Safe Places are easy to identify as they display a nationally-recognised logo in their window. Anyone who is a member of the scheme can go into a participating building and ask for support.
Someone would use a Safe Place if they felt lost, upset, afraid or threatened or if they lost their belongings or friends. The Safe Place staff will then contact family, carers or the police if necessary.
Happy Planet Studio and Gallery on Ilfracombe Gardens is a proud member of the scheme. Happy Planet is a safe space for all where you can relax, feel comfortable, learn something and have a laugh. Why not see for yourself tomorrow on Small Business Saturday? Happy Planet will be open as usual from 9 am to 5 pm and there’ll be free tea and coffee on tap. And don’t forget, Happy Planet is a Safe Place tomorrow and every day. 
Happy Planet Studio & Gallery
3A Ilfracombe Gardens
Whitley Bay
NE26 3ND