A network of more than 1,000 shops and businesses across Gloucestershire have now signed up to the 'Keep Safe' scheme.

Set up in 2010 as a partnership involving Gloucestershire County Council, the Police and NHS, Keep Safe is one of more than 470 schemes supported by the Police and Crime Commissioner's Fund.

It is one of 73 schemes that have had their contracts renewed in the latest funding cycle.

In 2013, the PCC commissioned Memory Clubs UK to develop and expand the Keep Safe scheme.

It now provides support to around 11,400 registered members with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and dementia across the county.

Anyone can register as a member of Keep Safe, which identifies safe places where help can be sought when required.

Keep Safe users carry a card with their details and an emergency contact number which can be shown to specially-trained staff at shops and businesses displaying the Keep Safe logo.

Keep Safe director Teresa Hemmingway said: Our aim was to build and broaden the scheme and with the help of the Commissioner we continue to do that.

"Since he pledged his support, we have been able to recruit many of the big chain stores and high street names.

"They are all training their staff in adult awareness and their premises display the Keep Safe logo so that people who are vulnerable know that inside is a place where the people will keep them safe from harm and abuse".

Anyone can register as a member of Keep Safe, which identifies safe places where help can be sought when required.

Keep Safe user card have each user's details and an emergency contact number which can be shown to specially-trained staff at shops and businesses displaying the Keep Safe logo.

If a member needs help while they are away from home, they have only to look for the Keep Safe logo in a businesses' window and specially-trained staff will come to their aid.

As well as the 73 schemes who benefit from continued funding, a further 27 are in receipt of funds for the first time this year.

These include All Nations UK Gloucester, who support vulnerable young people susceptible of falling to crime and The Door Stroud, who provide youth support in Stonehouse.

PCC Martin Surl said, "These are just the latest outstanding examples of how community groups and organisations have embraced new opportunities offered through the police and crime plan.

"Some are new schemes; others have benefitted from a helping hand and are now running under their own steam and fully self-sufficient.

"I have always believed that local people are the best people to come up with answers to problems in their own neighbourhood. The Commissioner's Fund is evidence of the tremendous community spirit that exists in Gloucestershire".

A full list of Commissioner's Fund projects, and details of how to apply can be found at: https://www.gloucestershire-pcc.gov.uk/