SAFEGUARDING WHEN OUT AND ABOUT

Louise Tennuci

Research and Campaigns

Caterham and Warlingham Citizen’s Advice

I have a physical disability and use a manual wheelchair.

I have a care support plan that helps me feel secure, and I have a team of support who enable me to access the community, and help with day to day tasks.

I am fully aware that there are individuals with mental and physical difficulties, who may feel isolated or feel unsettled about leaving their home due to their additional needs.

Before I decide on the best places to visit, I make a few basic checks to confirm that I will be comfortable there, especially if it is a little further from my home.

When I am out at a garden centre, shopping centre, cinema, restaurant or theatre, I always feel better knowing the following:

• There will be easy access for myself and my wheelchair
• There will be accessible toilet facilities nearby
• There are approachable people nearby
• There is suitable parking
• There are accessible taxis or train stations nearby
• Know the mileage and directions, if going by car
• Have all the things you may need for when you are away from home for a day. Money, house keys, RADAR key to access toilets (or an equivalent to RADAR) Blue badge
• Have with you a means of contacting people

I have built up a list of regular ‘go to places’ over the years. These are places where I feel safe. In these places I may know the people who work there, if I’m shopping, I will know what I’m looking for, because I’ve bought something similar in that place before, and it is affordable. This list of ‘go to places’ is ongoing. I am open-minded, but an outing for me does take some planning and takes time to build up confidence.

SURREY POLICE PEGASUS CARD SCHEME

If you have additional physical, learning or mental health needs, Surrey Police have developed a scheme called the Pegasus Card Scheme. You can register for free if your disability or illness makes it difficult for you to communicate with the police in an emergency or difficult situation. If you apply, you will be issued with a card and PIN. If you ever need to ring the police, quote the word ‘Pegasus’ and tell them your Pegasus PIN and they can access your addition needs, and help you accordingly. You can also show your Pegasus card to police officers, if you require help in person.

Please find website below for more information and application form:

www.surrey.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/us/contact-us/sspegasus-scheme/pegasus-card-scheme

This Article on Accessibility also relates to the above Report:

https://www.accessable.co.uk/articles/disabled-actress-samantha-renke-what-does-accessibility-mean-to-you