Strengthening Community Support: imabi’s Collaboration with Safe Places

Creating safer communities isn’t something one organisation can do alone. It takes collaboration, shared values and practical tools that empower people in real moments of need.

That’s why we’re proud to collaborate with Safe Places - a nationally recognised community initiative, offering help and support to anyone who needs it.

What Is Safe Places?

Safe Places is a community-based initiative designed to help people who may feel vulnerable, anxious or at risk when out in public, or anyone else who needs it.

The scheme works by partnering with local businesses, venues and community buildings that agree to act as designated “Safe Places.” These locations display a recognisable Safe Places logo and offer:

• A calm space to step inside

• Access to a phone if needed

• Help contacting a trusted person

• Support while waiting for assistance

• Reassurance during moments of distress

Safe Places particularly supports:

• People with learning disabilities

• Those with autism

• Individuals experiencing anxiety or mental health challenges

• Older residents

• Anyone feeling unsafe or overwhelmed in public

It is simple, practical and community-driven.

Why Safe Places Matters

For many people, the fear of becoming overwhelmed or unsafe in public can limit independence.

It reassures individuals that:

• Support is nearby

• Help is visible and accessible

• Communities care

When people know there is somewhere to go if they feel unsafe, they are more likely to travel, engage and participate in everyday life.

Safe Places help restore confidence and enable participation in everyday life.

Bringing Safe Places Into the Digital Space

Through our collaboration, the Safe Places online finder is now available directly within the Travel Guardian app, accessible via the Noticeboard section.

This integration means that users can:

• Search for nearby Safe Places locations

• Access trusted information in one central platform

• Combine digital journey-sharing with physical safe havens

• Feel supported both online and offline

It bridges the gap between digital safeguarding and real-world reassurance.

Safe Places also offers its own dedicated Safe Places app, designed with accessibility and simplicity at its core. The app allows users to quickly locate nearby Safe Places and access clear, easy-to-understand information about each venue. For some individuals, particularly people with learning disabilities or those who prefer a very straightforward interface, the Safe Places app may feel especially accessible and reassuring. 

Within Travel Guardian, Safe Places locations sit alongside journey-sharing, reporting tools and real-time community information - creating a broader layer of digital and physical support. Together, both apps strengthen independence by giving people choice in how they access help. 

Our FREE Travel Guardian app also supports:

• Safer journeys

• Accessible reporting

• Real-time information

• Community engagement

Safe Places complements this by offering physical, community-based support points.