A SCHEME has been launched to protect vulnerable adults in the Maldon district.
The 'Keep Safe' campaign brings together local businesses, police and school pupils to ensure that good Samaritans in Maldon make themselves known to vulnerable adults in the community.
Tony Morrell, from Maldon Pioneers, a group for those suffering from disabilities, said: "In an ideal world, anyone feeling vulnerable will be helped regardless.
"However, this simple idea just means that in this far from ideal world, people like the Pioneers, who have learning difficulties, can be empowered, can feel safer in their community, and be reassured that if push comes to shove there are good Samaritans in Maldon, prepared to reach out and help.
"Although we are a group catering for adults with learning difficulties we always aim to engage in activities which don't single our members out as having a disability. But its not always possible to integrate and there will always be times when integration is difficult. 'Keep Safe' offers a framework to allow Pioneers to feel free to go out and about their business with heightened confidence."
The scheme asks premises to sign up to display the 'Keep Safe' sticker in their window which allows a person who feels threatened to approach them for help.
Adults who sign up will also carry a key ring with some personal details and telephone numbers to enable the shop staff to help them contact a friend, trusted person or in more serious circumstances the Police.
Spencer Clarke, manager of the Chelmsford and Maldon Community Safety Partnerships, said: "This is a simple scheme but an effective one. It's already in place in Braintree, and the Maldon scheme will be closely followed by schemes in Chelmsford, Tendring and Colchester. Safety of vulnerable people is a key part of the work of Community Safety Partnerships."
Members of the Maldon Pioneers have been given responsibility for designing the badges that will be worn by those who have signed up to the scheme, a job that Tony Morrell believes is a vital aspect of their integration.
He said: "Rather than just having activities laid on for the Pioneers, 'Keep Safe' empowers the Pioneers with the responsibility to lead the way in Maldon. Our members get the chance to be part of something worthwhile which will benefit other adults with learning difficulties.
"We can also possibly iron out any teething problems for the scheme and be a kind of advanced party demonstrating the scheme's effectiveness to those who join the scheme later.
"We can inspire non-Pioneers with a disability to have courage and show, by example, how it's possible to live a more independent and active life in Maldon."
