A community scheme to help people feel more safe in Brentwood is now being extended to include Shenfield.

Keep Safe is a free scheme to help vulnerable people feel safer when they are out in towns across Essex and in the Borough.

Brentwood are the first to extend the scheme to the elderly, those with learning difficulties and mental ill health.

Specified venues, that are part of the scheme, display the Keep Safe sticker and 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.

Keep Safe Brentwood has had a hugely successful eight months, with 14 Brentwood venues supporting the scheme and more than 500 members signed up and on Thursday, June 18, the scheme will be extended to include Shenfield too, which has nine venues signed up to support the scheme.

The launch event will take place at Shenfield Library, in Hutton Road, from 10am-12pm.

In addition, there will be a Keep Safe event on Friday, June 19 outside the Baytree Shopping Centre, off Brentwood High Street, from 10am- 1pm.

Brentwood Borough Council's Chair of the Community and Health Committee, Councillor Will Russell, said: "After the success of the Keep Safe scheme in Brentwood it made sense to extend it to include Shenfield.

"It gives reassurance to vulnerable people that there are more places to go if they need help.

"If you think you or someone you know may benefit from joining the Keep Safe scheme please join us at either of the two events this week where you can get more information and sign up."

Do you think that you or someone you know could benefit from the scheme?

If so, contact our Keep Safe Team by email brentwood@keepsafeessex.org.uk or you can call 01277 312500.