In early 2011, we led on research showing that vulnerable adults do not always feel safe when they are out in the community.

Our extensive networks mean we can engage with people that others often struggle to reach

The research was based on two focus groups. The first looked into the needs of older people, linking into the Hampshire Older People’s Association and Hampshire County Council. Individuals were empowered to express concerns about barriers to service provision and put forward positive suggestions for change. The second focus group looked at hate crime and its effects on individuals with learning disabilities.

The report highlighted the importance of feeling, as well as being, safe – fear of hate crime was reported to impact greatly on individuals’ confidence. As a result, a Safer Places Scheme pilot was developed by the County Council with service users and pioneered in Basingstoke.

Following the success of the pilot, the county’s Adult Services department has awarded grants to various voluntary and community organisations to establish Safer Places Schemes in their areas.