The Pineapple Project, an initiative dedicated to safeguarding young women, is gearing up for expansion beyond Weymouth, reaching out to Swanage, Dorchester, and Portland.
This project, run by Dorset Council, aims to proactively prevent harm and create safer communities for girls.
The Pineapple Project combines traditional and innovative safeguarding methods to address the risks faced by young women.
It gives them a safe haven when things don’t go to plan, perhaps by stepping into a local shop where they can charge their phone or put some distance between them and the person who is bothering them.
Rather than waiting for incidents to occur, the project focuses on prevention, creating an environment where girls feel safe in their communities.
As part of the expansion of the project, the team are looking for businesses which have premises in the town centres to sign up to be a part of the solution by becoming ‘Community Guardians’.
As part of this they will go through a ‘vetting process’, and once approved, they display Pineapple Project sign in their windows, signifying that they are a safe space for young women who may feel at risk.
Community Guardians are then equipped to welcome in and assist these young women when they are most vulnerable to experiencing harm.
Cllr Byron Quayle, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, and Early Help, said, “Ensuring the safety of young women is a big priority for us.
“I strongly encourage our Dorset businesses to take a proactive stance by becoming a Community Guardian – your commitment could make a significant difference in the lives of teenaged girls across Dorset.”
Businesses in Weymouth, Portland, Swanage and Dorchester, who would like to find out more about becoming a Pineapple Project community guardian, can register their interest at: The Pineapple Project – Dorset Council
