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Safety comes first at homeless night shelter [Herald, The (Scotland)](Herald, The (Scotland) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Safety will be at the fore for homeless people attending Glasgow City Mission's McAlpine Winter Night Shelter this Christmas. That's not just in terms of the increase in safety that comes from not having to sleep rough. The safety of the shelter has been enhanced by a wealth of the latest hi-tech surveillance kit and personal safety equipment thanks to the local council, Red Cross police and private sector pulling together. Mission staff welcome homeless people who often have pressing personal problems and challenging behaviour. Some may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Staff on the door and in the centre have now been trained to de- escalate situations and use a variety of equipment including a radio link, a mobile emergency device, a weapon scanner, first aid equipment and body cameras. Glasgow City Mission project manager Rob Donald said: "We have a duty of care to our clients to offer them a safe environment. They need to know that they can come here, despite their difficulties, and that they will be safe. Equally, we have had to train our staff to ensure that they are safe and know how to react in what can be very difficult circumstances. We are very grateful to all who have given their products, time and expertise to use to help make this time of year better for the people whom we work with and for." Strathclyde Police Violence Reduction Unit has donated a weapons scanner; risk management consultant Argyll has provided "lone- worker" security expertise to monitor the safety of Mission staff and clients; and Pinnacle Response Limited, which supplies body- worn miniature cameras to police forces and community wardens, has donated two cameras for staff use. Glasgow Community and Safety Services has provided a radio link to its CCTV street camera control room, and the Red Cross has laid on training to help staff do their job confidently, sensitively and safely. Tom Morton of Dunoon-based Argyll said: "Staff at the Glasgow City Mission do an incredible job in providing support to some of the most vulnerable people in society. "By doing so, they can also find themselves in challenging and high-risk scenarios. It is very pleasing to come on board to monitor these associated risks, ensuring that Glasgow City Mission staff have the confidence to provide valuable shelter services to those in need during the winter season. "We are delighted to give our equipment, time and expertise to support the Glasgow City Mission in the work they do." Ian Andrew of Pinnacle Response Limited said: "We're very pleased to donate our cameras to help staff and clients focus on safety." Michael Greville of Salvas Maybo Business Centre Scotland, who pulled the programme and suppliers together, as well as providing de- escalation and non-physical intervention training, said: "I first became involved with Glasgow City Mission 25 years ago as a community police officer in Anderston and knew that staff and clients have special safety needs. By working together, we've provided the knowledge and equipment for them to use if and when situations develop to ensure that everyone involved can be safe at the night shelter." (c) 2011 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |