ANOTHER business has joined a district-wide scheme to help people feel safe.

The Keep Safe scheme, run by Braintree Council, means that venues across the district will offer the use of a telephone or will make a phone call for members of the scheme if they are in need.

For example, if they lose their keys, telephone or wallet, or are distressed in any way.

Members who join the scheme are given a card and key ring that have the phone numbers of their contacts to call for help.

Co-op Funeral Care in Rayne Road is the latest business to join the community initiative which aims to help people feel safer when they are out in the three towns of the Braintree District.

Jo Baker, from Co-op Funeral Care, said: "As part of the Co-Operative group we work hard with charities and organisations to help make our local community a better place to live.

"The Keep Safe scheme is a great idea and has helped many people and we are very happy to be able to support it."

By carrying Keep Safe cards and keyrings with essential telephone numbers, anyone who feels unwell, unsafe or disorientated can go to a Keep Safe venue and ask for help to contact a family member, friend or carer.

The scheme was first launched by Braintree Council and has been so successful that it has been replicated across Essex.

Councillor Peter Tattersley, responsible for health and communities, said: "We are so pleased to see that businesses across our district are keen to become a Keep Safe venue.

"We want to give reassurance to older residents that help is available and the confidence to know that should they need it, someone is on hand to assist them.

"Having venues available can be the difference for residents being happy in the town centre or not."

Since the scheme first launched in 2013, more than 200 venues have pledged to join the initiative across Essex.

It was also awarded a High Sheriff’s Award for 2015-16 in recognition of its service to community safety.

For more information visit braintree.gov.uk/keepsafevenues or call 01376 552525.