Stratford’s licensed sector and night time economy receive free welfare and vulnerability awareness training

The training at Stratford’s Vue Cinema, Westfield, was delivered by Safer Business Network following concerns around national reports of violence against women and girls.

Councillor Neil Wilson, chair of Newham Council’s Licensing Committee said:

“People should feel safe when they are out and that’s why it is important that pubs, bars and restaurants are taking part in this scheme, providing assistance for people who find themselves in a difficult or intimidating situation.

“With violence against women and girls being high on the current political and social agenda, we encourage all people working in licensed premises to reflect on this issue and how welfare is built into their operations”.

Welfare And Vulnerability Engagement, WAVE, is a training package developed to provide those working in the licensed industry with an awareness about vulnerability, how to deal with it and their responsibilities.

The safety initiative ‘Ask for Angela’ is being rolled out to bars, clubs and other licensed businesses across London. People who feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened can discreetly seek help by approaching venue staff and asking them for ‘Angela’.

This code-phrase will indicate to staff that they require help and a trained member of staff will look to support and assist them. This might be through reuniting them with a friend, seeing them to a taxi, or by calling venue security and/or the police.

Over a hundred and twenty people attended the training from businesses around Stratford, along with representative from the local Business Improvement District Stratford Original, Safer Stratford, Newham Council Licensing and the Metropolitan Police.

More information on WAVE training can be found at https://www.safersounds.org.uk/wave-training-2021

More information on ‘Ask for Angela’ can be found at https://www.safersounds.org.uk/a4a-resources