A scheme to create safe spaces in venues across the Liverpool City Region, developed in response to a spate of hate crimes against the LGBT+ community in the city, has started rolling out across the city.

Fifty-three venues are now accredited with the “You’re Safe Here” mark, following training sessions delivered by LCR Pride Foundation in partnership with Merseyside Police And Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, Stop Hate UK, Merseyside Police, Liverpool Nightlife CIC, Liverpool BID Company and other city partners.

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 training sessions, delivered at a range of venues around Liverpool, provided 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.

Speaking of the first wave of training sessions, LCR Pride Foundation CEO and Co-Founder, Andi Herring, said:

“The initial response to the training scheme has been fantastic and clearly reflects the commitment of venues across the city region to providing safe spaces for all.

“While this scheme was launched following a series of hate crimes against the LGBT+ community in the city, it is intended to improve safety for anyone living in or visiting the city. Feedback from participants has so far been excellent and has created a foundation for ongoing partnership working.

“The scheme does not end with the delivery of one training session. We aim to maintain these relationships to continually inform our training and respond to the changing needs and concerns of venues, their staff and patrons, to make our city a safer place for everyone.”