Last week saw the official launch in Abergavenny of the Safe Places scheme, with around 35 local businesses committed to providing a safe haven for vulnerable people needing support in an emergency when visiting the town.

The scheme will see many shop windows carrying easily-identifiable blue and yellow stickers denoting their participation in the initiative.

Gwent Police and MCC are already designated as dementia-friendly organisations, and towns like Abergavenny and Crickhowell are working towards the same goal, with staff in local shops and businesses receiving specialist training in order to understand the needs of those living with the condition.

As part of the Safe Places scheme, all the businesses involved will also be offered autism awareness training.

Setting up the Safe Places initiative in Abergavenny has been a joint effort between local community police, MCC, health professionals and the voluntary sector.

“We’ve been working on this for more than two years,” said PCSO Ruth Moyse. “We’ve identified experiences people might have in the town centre that make them feel unsettled or anxious. We’ve also visited banks, building societies, food stores, eateries, clothes shops - anywhere accessible that wants to be involved. The attitude has been very positive.

“It means that anyone visiting the town who starts feeling unwell, or has a fall or is feeling confused or anxious will quickly find a friendly face.”