TOWN centre hotspots will now provide support to vulnerable people.

Evesham's Safe Place initiative, is providing places within the town where people can go if they need reassurance or support for a problem.

All safe place locations are identified with a safe place sticker and each of them have trained staff members to provide assistance.

David Hemming, Wychavon District Council’s community safety manager, said: “We’re pleased to be working in partnership with Our Way and the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner to support and develop the Safe Place scheme.

"Supporting vulnerable people and helping them to feel safe and more confident is important and we are looking forward to working together to launch the scheme in Evesham and Pershore in the future.”

The places involved in the scheme are Bridge Street Kitchen, Cobwebs Tea Room, Evesham and District Mental Health Support Services, Herbies Coffee House, Moo Moo’s Café Bar and Moulton Hair and Beauty.

The Safe Place scheme was started when a group of vulnerable young people from Our Way Self Advocacy discovered that their friends felt worried and anxious when out and about in their community.

The scheme initially started in Kidderminster, but as it is proving to be so popular, it is being rolled out across Wychavon, with Pershore soon to follow.

People with learning disabilities can register to be part of the scheme and will be given an ‘I need help’ card to carry.

The card will have telephone numbers for the Safe Place staff to call.

The scheme was launched in Evesham on Friday January 27.

The list of places signed up to the Safe Place scheme can be found at www.ourway.org.uk.

To register and to get a card,, or to find out more about the scheme, contact the Our Way office on 01562 820262.