A FREE card offering potentially life-saving help is now in the hands of vulnerable people thanks to a safety group.

The Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend community safety partnership teams visited the Real Lives Community Group in Barry recently to promote the Keep Safe Cymru card.

The cards enable vulnerable people to get help when they become ill or feel unsafe.

They were originally designed for people with learning disabilities, but can be used more widely.

Sergeant Angela Bennett said: “Sometimes people find themselves in situations where they need help but can’t communicate, or have needs that are not instantly visible. The Keep Safe cards assist with that communication. We are ensuring that all police officers and staff are aware of the card and to ask people if they have one.”

The cards allow people to list their name, emergency contact details as well as health and other important information about themselves to make sure they get the appropriate help if they are taken ill or feel unsafe.

People using the card can register their details with the Public Service Centre and will be issued a card with a reference number.

If a need becomes necessary they then need to ring through to 101 at any point to report a crime, or ask for police assistance.

They quote the reference number and all the callers registered details will be available to the public service operator.

Judith Major, of South Wales Police Public Service Centre (PSC), said: “The Keep Safe Cymru card is part of our commitment to supporting people who could potentially be vulnerable when they are out and about.The card contains important personal and medical information that could ensure vulnerable people get the help they need, when they need it. It’s a useful card to keep in a purse or wallet so we would encourage people to consider whether they, or someone they know, would benefit from having one.”

Card users are encouraged to tell police if they have been a victim of a hate crime, whether it be based on race, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity or disability.

The aim is to make it easier for members of the public to report hate incidents, using the Keep Safe Cymru’ card.

The event was attended by members of Real Lives community group who are people with learning disabilities.

Sergeant Bennett said: “It is important that we work together in partnership with groups like the Real Lives Community to ensure people feel they have somewhere to turn if they need to and that their concerns will be dealt with in a sensitive and professional manner. It is also important to raises awareness among the wider community and for everyone to realise that bullying and hate crime will not be tolerated at any level.”

If other community groups would like a visit from the Community Safety Partnership team, contact

PCSO Richard Thomas on Richard.thomas2@south-wales.pnn.police.uk or PC Richie Pains at Richie.paines@south-wales.pnn.police.uk