Students with learning disabilities in March have been given credit card identity badges to show in a range of businesses in March if they ever feel vulnerable.

Cambs Times: FACET Safe Places schemeFACET Safe Places scheme (Image: Archant)

The scheme is part of a Safe Places campaign which already has 17 organisation sign up to it including take aways, pubs and the town library.

The scheme was launched by FACET in conjunction with Voiceability, a national organisation that speaks up for others to ensure their voices are heard.

FACET manager Kris Harrold said: “It works by them displaying a sign in their premises.

“Students have been given a tour of all the venues they can go if they feel at risk and staff have been trained so that if anybody comes in presenting a Safe Places card they can remain inside where they feel safe.”

Cambs Times: FACET Safe Places schemeFACET Safe Places scheme (Image: Archant)

In Cambridgeshire, the first safe scheme was set up in Huntingdon.

Jonathan Senker, chief executive of VoiceAbility, said: “I have seen the difference that having a voice can make - it makes the difference between being in control, having rights that are respected and living life to the full, and being ignored.

“We have pioneered new ways of enabling people to be heard and have rights, ranging from the creation of local Parliaments run by people with learning disabilities to new statutory services supporting people with the highest support needs facing the most critical decisions. “We have developed excellent services and as a result have become one of the largest advocacy providers in the UK.”

Cambs Times: FACET Safe Places schemeFACET Safe Places scheme (Image: Archant)