Energy2-work offers people with disabilities, learning difficulties or health conditions the support to learn work skills, gain qualifications and find employment. It is funded by the Learning and Skills Council through the European Social Fund.

The Safe Place Scheme is a project that aims to stop bullying and abuse of adults with learning disabilities and is currently operating across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The project will be mainly funded by the Learning Disability Partnership Board.

Shops in Swindon can participate in the scheme by displaying a sticker in their window and people with learning disabilities/difficulties can carry a card containing their name and personal contact details in order that the manager or member of staff in the shop knows whom to contact.

Ann King from Energy2 in Swindon said, “Shops and businesses taking part in this scheme will provide a temporary safe haven for this vulnerable group within our community. If assistance or support is required they can call the necessary person to support the individual. The scheme has been very successful in Devon so we now hope to continue its success in Swindon”.

People with learning disabilities will be trained to use and understand when it is appropriate to use the Safe Place Scheme. Training and support will also be available to businesses.

The six apprentices did a sky dive last year and wanted to use their sponsorship money to help vulnerable people in Swindon to have confidence to travel independently.  A cheque was presented to Ann King from Energy2 on 29 January.