Businesses in Swanage in Dorset are being asked to sign up to The Pineapple Project, an initiative dedicated to safeguarding young women, which has already been rolled out in Weymouth.
The scheme was launched in November 2022 in Weymouth but now Dorset Council, which runs the project, is looking to expand it to Portland, Dorchester and Swanage.
Community guardians display The Pineapple Project logo in their window
Display a pink The Pineapple Project sticker
The idea is to proactively prevent harm and create safer communities for teenage girls and young women by town centre businesses offering a safe haven when things don’t go to plan.
The businesses taking part are designated as community guardians and display a distinctive pink The Pineapple Project sticker in their window, to let young women know that they can get help at the location if they need it.
This is perhaps by allowing them to step into a local shop where they can charge their phone or put some distance between them and the person who is bothering them.
All those businesses wishing to take part are vetted and offered training to ensure that they are equipped to welcome in and assist young women.
Town centre businesses in Swanage are being asked to register their interest in the scheme
“Take a proactive stance”
Councillor 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 teenage girls across Dorset.”
Sexual assault, exploitation and peer on peer abuse
Significantly high rates of women and girls are harmed within the home every day and there are traditional safeguarding methods to try and offer protection.
However, using non-traditional methods to tackle the problem like The Pineapple Project can decrease the risks that young women and girls face, including sexual assault, exploitation and peer on peer abuse.
The Pineapple Project is looking for community guardians to be the eyes and ears of their local area and by finding out about problems early, help prevent serious harm.
Children Services’ staff in Dorset Council lead on the project in partnership with Dorset Police and young women themselves.
Further information
- More about the Pineapple Project
- Businesses in Swanage wishing to register their interest in taking part should contact the Pineapple Project by email or phone 01305 762400
