East Renfrewshire Council has joined forces with Police Scotland and I Am Me Scotland to become involved in the award-winning Keep Safe Campaign.

The initiative works in partnership with a network of businesses and public services to create ‘Keep Safe’ places in the community for disabled, vulnerable, elderly or anyone feeling lost, confused, scared, or who has been the victim of a crime.

Aiming to ensure people feel safe and can enjoy day-to-day activities when participating in community life, ‘Keep Safe’ helps those in need to seek assistance in a safe and welcoming place.

Disabled and elderly people can show their Keep Safe card which details information such as emergency contact details and health concerns to help the businesses provide the best means of support.

Councillor Colm Merrick, convener for Community Services and Community Safety, said: “I am delighted East Renfrewshire Council and Police Scotland are again working in partnership together with local businesses.

“This initiative will help ensure our vulnerable people can enjoy ordinary day to day life and activities free from fear.

“It will be rolled out across East Renfrewshire in the coming months”.

Organisations wishing to take part in the initiative and successfully meet the training requirements are provided a Keep Safe sticker to display in the window of their premises.

Ahead of the launch event at the Barrhead Foundry, the council had eight fully signed up I Am Me Keep Safe premises: Voluntary Action Barrhead, Country Feeds Barrhead, The Foundry Barrhead, Customer First East Renfrewshire Council Barrhead, Customer First East Renfrewshire Council Eastwood Park, Mearns Library, Clarkston Library and Giffnock Library.

A further five premises are going through the training process and will be fully accredited over the coming months.

Kirsty Lafferty, owner of Country Feeds, said: “I am proud to be part of this programme and able to help offer vulnerable people a secure place they can go to feel safe.”

If a business wants to sign up to become a Keep Safe place they should visit www.iammescotland.co.uk