FOR most of us, getting out and about around York isn’t much of a challenge. Yes, the traffic can be a pain. And the rowdy behaviour in parts of the city centre on a Friday and Saturday can be off-putting.

But these are comparatively minor gripes. By and large, we know that we’re lucky to live in such a great little city.

Try putting yourself in the shoes of someone for whom the city can appear very different, however.

For people with learning difficulties, being out and about on your own, even in a city like York, can be disorienting. The fear of going out that results can lead to social isolation and withdrawal. It is great, therefore, to see a local policeman, PCSO Justin Piercy, teaming up with York People First, the self-advocacy group for people with learning difficulties, to do something to help.

They have worked together to design the We Care campaign. Under the scheme, vulnerable people are provided with a card which gives basic details of next of kin or carers. The idea is that if they get lost or scared while out in York, they can just show this to someone and get help.

We Care goes further, however. Vulnerable people who join are asked to fill in a specially-designed, easy-to-complete application form giving information about themselves, their health and their daily routine. This information will be added to a special police database - and will be available to officers if someone in the scheme gets into trouble.

That should make it easier for officers to approach them in a way that isn’t threatening. And it might even provide vital clues to help find a vulnerable person quickly if they do go missing.

It sounds excellent. Top marks to those involved.