Children feel safer with unique help points

A unique scheme involving over 40 Enfield locations including businesses, police stations, shops and libraries aims to help children and young people who may have a momentary fear while travelling in and around Enfield.

Designated as Community Help Points (CHPs) these locations provide safe havens for young people who feel threatened or need help in any way.

If young people feel unsafe or worried while travelling about they can take refuge at local shops and businesses displaying the distinctive CHPs sign in their windows.

Caterina Vetrano who runs La Dolce Piazza at Edmonton Green, said, “We want to do all we can to help anyone who may feel threatened, particularly young people. We have had excellent training and feel confident that we can provide the security that will help a young person overcome a fear.”

Any young person who is a victim of crime or bullying or who may be lost or just simply feel vulnerable can seek help, guidance or support where they see the CHPs sign.

This may just be a brief stay while an issue passes or it may be to use a phone to obtain help from parents or carers or it may be to summon further help from the police when they have been victims of crime.

Wherever there is a CHPs sign there are trained people able to calm a frightened young person, make a phone call or summon other help.

Staff working at businesses in the CHPs scheme, have received full training; and checks have also been made with the Criminal Records Bureau to ensure that they are responsible people who can be trusted.

All Enfield pupils will be given details of premises that are in the scheme and will be able to identify the nearest help points on the routes of their most common journeys - whether to school, leisure centres or other activities.

Safer schools officers will ensure that pupils are aware of this scheme and how and when to use it, while letters are being sent to parents and carers.

Cllr Glynis Vince, cabinet member for education, children’s services and leisure, said, “Keeping young people safe and helping the most vulnerable is an important way to build community relations and strengthen understanding between adults and young people.

“I am extremely pleased that we have been able to get this scheme started and my thanks go to all the local businesses and organisations that have shown their willingness to support it.”

Peter Lewis, director of education, children’s services and leisure, added, “CHPs can be used to help schools, parents and young people plan safe journeys to and from school and will also reassure parents who may be worried about young people travelling through Enfield alone.

“We look forward to schools playing a full part in supporting CHPs by raising awareness and encouraging appropriate use of the scheme.”

Borough Commander Adrian Hanstock added, “For all young people this is good news. There is no need for them to feel threatened now that this network of locations has been established. I am delighted that so many businesses and organisations have agreed to take part.”

Cllr Glynis Vince and Commander Hanstock with Aylward students launch logo

Enfield Local Safeguarding Children Board, Joint Service for Children with Disabilities, Enfield Children and Young Persons Services, Children’s Fund and Youth & Partnership Unit (including Police Safer Schools Team) working with local businesses have devised this scheme.

This document was last updated on 2008-02-08 16:15:02 published by the web team team. Document Reference:LBE_132338