The Treat Me Right! project works mainly with healthcare providers to ensure that patients with learning disabilities and autism have the reasonable adjustments they need to use their services. However, they also work with individuals to improve their own health and wellbeing.
A large part of this is feeling safe in your own community. Mencap’s Living in Fear Report (2000) researched learning disability hate incidents and found that half (47%) of the people surveyed had suffered verbal abuse, and a quarter (23%) had been physically assaulted. Three quarters (73%) of people surveyed had experienced bullying or harassment in a public place.
The aim of this project is to build a network of ‘Safer Places’ in Ealing where people can go to if they feel they are in danger, frightened, or need help. Comprised of a range of shops, local businesses and services, these Safer Places will offer sanctuary and support to people if they feel at risk when out and about. In return for offering your premises as a Safer Place, the Treat Me Right! Project can provide your business with free learning disability and autism awareness training.
For more information on your business becoming a Safer Place, please contact Helen Cairns – hcairns@certitude.org
