Our Town – Horsham is a friendly place to be
01 Feb 2018
Our Town – Horsham, is a new initiative co-ordinated by Horsham District Council which looks to provide informal support within town centre locations for vulnerable people.
The scheme which launches on 2 February in Swan Walk Shopping Centre (opposite Le Brunch), aims to give vulnerable people the confidence to remain independent by providing a network of shop locations which people can access for help and assistance if they are feeling afraid, frightened or confused.
Championed by a team of self-advocates from The Butterfly Project and Strawford Centre Horizons Groups, the initiative will provide shop staff with basic training on how to help a vulnerable person; the location will then be identified with an ‘Our Town’ window sticker so people needing a little more assurance and support will know that they can go into the shop and ask for help if they need it.
Most of the time somebody who is feeling vulnerable will just need reassurance by way of a smile, friendly face, or the chance to grab a few minutes to calm down.
Occasionally, some people may need more assistance, so shops who sign up to the initiative will be issued with a card that has a contact number for a chosen family member, support worker or carer who can be contacted if they need a greater level of support.
‘I’m pleased to say that Horsham town is a friendly and supportive place to live with most people and shops always ready and willing to help somebody needing assistance.
“What this initiative does is give vulnerable people the confidence to know that there are identified places in the town that will help them if they need it; it takes the guess work out of who and where they should go to ask.”
Horsham District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Wellbeing Cllr Tricia Youtan
There has already been a tremendous response to the initiative.
Anybody wanting to provide an Our Town-Horsham location, or get a card for themselves or a family member should contact Nick Jenkins, Community Development Manager, Horsham District Council at nick.jenkins@horsham.gov.uk.
For more information and to keep up to date with our progress please follow us on
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For media queries please email press@horsham.gov.uk or call 01402 215571.