Keeping Safe

Helpful information about looking after yourself in the community

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Things in this guide

Crossing the road safely 11

When you are going out 3

Your journey, how will you get there? 4

Decide what you need to take with you 5

Lock up when you leave home 8

How to feel safe when you are out 9

How to keep safe on buses 12

How to keep safe in taxis 13

How to keep safe on trains 14

If something bad happens 21

Keep the things you have with you safe 15

Using cash machines 16

Using your mobile phone 17

Going home 18

Safe havens 20

Your notes 23

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If you can tell someone: Where you are going The route you are taking What time you are coming back

When you are going out

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Bus Walk on your own or with a friend

Train

Car Bicycle Taxi

Your journey, how will you get there?

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Decide what you need to take with you

Money Bank card

Keys

Phone and contact numbers

Medication

Glasses

Bag

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Travel pass

Travel Wallet

Address of college or work

Safe Haven Card

Watch or clock

Things to help you communicate like a

hearing aid or symbols

Shopping list

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Umbrella

Personal Alarm

Torch Sun cream Sturdy shoes

Coat if its cold

Bright clothes if its dark

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Lock up when you leave home

Lock doors Close all windows

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How to feel safe when you are out

If you can, go with friends or family who can support you

Be confident Don’t look vulnerable by looking lost or unhappy, shouting or

using bad language. Strangers may stop and stare at you

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Stay on the route you planned so people know where to look

for you if they need to

Keep an eye on the time. People will worry if you

are late

Stay in busy areas Don’t go down quiet lanes or alleys

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Always try to cross the road at a Zebra crossing or Pedestrian crossing. Only cross when the traffic has stopped If not, find a place at the side of the road where there are no parked cars and you can see clearly all around Only cross when there is no traffic coming. Keep looking and listening while you cross

Crossing the road safely

Zebra crossing Pedestrian crossing

Keep looking and listening

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Find out the times of the buses so you do not have to wait too long If you can, travel with someone you know Sit as near to the driver as possible Tell the driver if someone bothers or frightens you Get off the stop nearest to the place you are going

How to keep safe on buses

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How to keep safe in taxis

Book a taxi by phoning or by going to the taxi office. Use a company that someone you trust has told you is good When you are booking a taxi ask for the drivers name and colour of the taxi so you know who is coming If you can, it is better to sit in the back behind the driver If you are going home have your key ready so you can get into your house quickly

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How to keep safe on trains Make sure you know the times of the trains you want so you don't have to wait too long If you are alone on a platform stay in a brightly lit area If you can, sit where there are a lot of people If someone bothers or frightens you move to somewhere else on the train Keep your belongings with you all the time

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Keep the things you have with you safe

If you can, put the handle of your bag over your head and shoulders so it hangs across your body

Don’t put your bag in a shopping trolley or on the back of a wheelchair as it can be easily taken

Keep your things in a safe place like a bag

Put your mobile phone somewhere safe

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Using Cash Machines

If you need to use a cash point outside make sure no-one is standing too close to you

If you can, go inside a bank to get your money, its safer. Only take out what you need.

Make sure no-one sees your PIN number. Do not give it to anyone

Put your money away quickly. Some in your wallet and some in your pocket

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Using your mobile phone

It is safer to use your phone when you are inside. This could be somewhere like a shop.

Keep your phone out of sight when you are not

using it. This could be in your bag or in your pocket

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Going home

Go straight home using the route you planned. Go with

a friend if you feel safer

Stay on busy roads. Don’t go down alleys

You may feel safer if you arrange a lift home or book a

taxi before you go out

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Keep away from quiet, dark or lonely places

If it is dark take a torch

Never get in a car with someone you don't know.

Never hitch-hike

Keep your Personal Alarm where you can

find it easily

Have your door key ready so you can get in quickly

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A Safe Haven is a place you can go if you need support to contact someone if something goes wrong with your journey. There will be Safe Havens along the route that you travel. Your Travel Buddy or Travel Coordinator will tell you where the Safe Havens are and you will visit them as part of your supported travel. You will know if somewhere is a Safe Haven as it will have a poster in the window like this. Staff in the Safe Haven will have a list of telephone numbers so that you can contact someone if you need help. You can telephone someone yourself or staff can support you to make a telephone call or telephone someone for you.

Safe Havens

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If something bad happens

People are safe most of the time but if you do get into trouble, get away as

quickly as possible

Do not stop and fight

Let people know you are in trouble by shouting for help or using your personal alarm

If you are on a bus tell the driver

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Go to a busy place or shop where you can ask someone for help. It could be one of your Safe Havens

Or, phone someone else like family or friends, they can help you decide what to do

If anyone tries to take your bag or other things let it go. Do not try to hold onto them. Your safety is more important

You might decide to tell the Police. If so, phone 999, its free

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Your notes

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Your notes