A scheme to create safe spaces in venues across Liverpool is being rolled out again ahead of Eurovision.

More than 600 staff from 70 venues are already accredited with the “You’re Safe Here” mark, following training sessions delivered by:- LCR Pride Foundation and Merseyside Police Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, supported by Stop Hate UK, Merseyside Police, Liverpool Nightlife CIC, Liverpool BID Company and other City partners.

Now, 6 new training sessions are planned over 3 days at the ACC Liverpool to train hundreds more staff ahead of Eurovision coming to the City and another fantastic summer of events.

The mark aims to reassure the public that they are in a safe place and that staff will know what to do if they are a victim of a crime, need help, or are faced with intimidation or other unacceptable behaviour.

The scheme, which was originally launched in September 2021 in response to a spate of hate crime against the LGBTQ+ community, provides information for venues on how to deal with an extensive range of scenarios, including recognising hate crimes and incidents relating to gender and sexuality, race, disability and more, supporting victims and how to report hate crimes, as well as awareness of sexual violence, unsafe drinking, grooming and student safety.

Venues right across the City have already received their “You’re Safe Here” accreditation mark which they display on windows, tables and on posters inside the venues, which contain a QR code linking to further support.

Speaking ahead of the new wave of training sessions, LCR Pride Foundation CEO and Co-Founder, Andi Herring, said:- “Liverpool is expecting a huge influx of visitors for Eurovision in April, which will mark the start of a huge summer for the city. It’s a huge opportunity for so many businesses, and it’s vitally important that we offer a safe and welcoming environment to our guests. The ‘You’re Safe Here’ training is an excellent opportunity for venues, businesses, and services to prepare and be easily recognisable ‘safe spaces’. The straightforward and effective training will empower venues to spot issues and respond appropriately, while also giving customers the confidence to ask for help. We encourage as many businesses as possible to take the training and help make the City a safer place to those visiting, and those living and working here alike.”

Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, said:- “It is a huge honour for Liverpool to be chosen to host Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine. We are known for being 1 of the friendliest, most welcoming cities in the country and the world. By providing:- 'You’re Safe Here' training for hundreds more staff and dozens more venues across the City we are determined to show our City is safe and welcoming to all and help venues across the region prepare for this fantastic event. The overwhelming response to previous rounds of You’re Safe Here training shows just how committed local people are to going out of their way to help others and ensuring everyone has a brilliant time whey visit our Region. I’d encourage venues across the city to find out more and sign up!”

The training sessions, which have been funded by the Commissioner, have been designed with the support of partner agencies across the region, to ensure that attendees are given a wider knowledge of issues that may affect people in their venues. Through the sessions and follow up work, venues will be put in touch to access further support and training from these partners.
 

Training sessions are planned for:- 10am to 12noon and:- 1pm to 3pm, on:- 7 March and 11 April 2023.

Sign up here:- LCRPride.Co.UK