QR codes on prom guide young people to advice and support

A modern way to guide young people to advice or support and to help keep them safe is being used along Swansea’s seafront and the Marina.

QR codes have been located there and by simply scanning them on their smart phones they can access mental health support, advice on safe sex, drugs or alcohol or assistance if they or someone they know is at risk of becoming homeless.

They can also report concerns anonymously if they are worried about their safety or wellbeing or that of a friend.

The QR codes have been created by Evolve, which is Swansea Council’s Youth Service, in response to ideas from young people. It is part of Swansea’s CMET team’s approach to tackling harm outside of the family home. 

CMET is a forum that brings together professional organisations from across Swansea and was established this time last year as part of National Safeguarding Week.

Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Elliott King, said: “Throughout the pandemic our youth services and partner agencies have been out and about meeting with young people where they tend to spend time in an effort to make these spaces safer.

“Some of this work has taken place along the seafront and marina area where our workers have been asking young people what matters to them.

“One of the ideas the young people came up with was a modern way to access advice and support.

“The QR codes enable them to access the information using a smart phone camera by simply pointing the camera at the code, tapping the banner that appears and following the instructions on the screen.

“This is part of our continued efforts to ensure that all young people in Swansea have the right support at the right time.

“Safeguarding young people in Swansea is a top priority for the council and I’d like to thank all involved for coming up with and delivering this innovative scheme.”

(Lead image: Swansea Council)