Wednesday, 8 Sep 2010
Shopping Centre News More
Beacon Centre a Child Safe Zone - 30 Nov 07
Child Safe Zone
The Beacon Centre launched the Child Safe Scheme on Saturday 24th November 2007 with the help of Mrs Santa Claus. This is a national scheme designed to give families reassurance that they are shopping within a safe and friendly environment. It is completely free and non-profitable. In the event a child goes missing, a simple procedure will help find the child quickly and efficiently.
All parents have to do when they enter the Beacon Centre is pick up a free wristband from the dispenser on the wall beside Wilkinsons, fill in their mobile number then place the band on the child's wrist. If the child is found, the parent will be contacted on their mobile number.
Alternatively, if a child is missing, the parent can phone the helpline number displayed on posters and window stickers throughout the centre. This is a direct link to the security team.
Mrs Claus gave out free balloons to the children to help raise awareness of the scheme:
Safety first for families
at The Beacon Centre
The Beacon Centre is a family friendly and safe place to visit, shop and have fun.
However, losing a child, even for a few moments can be very distressing and our Child Safe Zones Shopping scheme can help reassure and get help fast.
Helpline window stickers
Look out for the bright orange balloon window stickers - these carry our helpline number:
08700 62 79 42
If you lose a child or need to report an incident look for the nearest sticker and ring this number and talk directly to our security team.
Mums & Dads!
Teach your child, that if they are ever separated from mum, dad or guardian, not to panic: but to look for the nearest window sticker, from where they can either look for a security guard, or a mum with children and ask her to ring the number, or go into the shop.
Also make sure teenagers know they can also use the number, should they need help.
Free Wristbands
A mobile number on a wristband is the simplest and quickest way to help a lost child.
On entering The Beacon Centre a wristband can be collected from the dispenser just outside Wilkinsons.
These wristbands are bright, waterproof and tough so as well as shopping they are ideal for other
days out or journeys into busy towns and cities.
Child Safety Tips
It’s easy for children to get distracted in busy places. Most children are reunited very quickly, but a child is vulnerable while lost so it’s important to teach a child what to do.
If you are lost……….
· Stop, stand still and look, don’t run about.
· If you see the person you were with, go to them and hold their hand.
· If lost in a shop, go to the nearest till point and talk to a shop assistant. Most shop assistants will wear uniforms or badges.
· If in the centre, look for nearest bright window sticker, and then look for a security guard or a mum with children and ask her to ring the number, or ask for help in the shop from a shop assistant.
· Don’t go up to anyone else.
…but the best way to help a lost child is to try and prevent it happening In the first place:
· Encourage children to stay close to you.
· Use reins or wrist links.
· Don’t leave a child in an unsupervised play area.
· Write a contact number on a wristband or tag.
· Carry an up to date photograph.
· Make a note of what the child is wearing.
Back to News Articles
