Bars and pubs in Chippenham get training to keep punters safe
It's been funded by Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner
Staff from bars and pubs across Chippenham have been getting training, funded by Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, with the aim of helping keep customers safer on nights out.
Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training helps bar staff learn how to identify people who may be vulnerable, in turn reduce the risk of violent crime, sexual offences and injuries linked to drugs and alcohol.
Staff were shown how to make appropriate interventions, given a better awareness of what to look out for in terms of drink spiking and an understanding of the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme.
The half-day course was attended by a number of Chippenham venues:
• The Brunel
• Chippenham Town Football Club
• Grounded
• Rivo Lounge
• The Pheasant
• The Three Crowns
• The Waverley
Similar courses have already been held in Salisbury and Trowbridge.
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson observed the delivery of the WAVE training:
“I’m hugely impressed by the training provided by the Safer Business Network and the commitment shown by the venues who signed up to take part.
“It shows they take the safety of their customers seriously and want to create a safer night out for everyone in Chippenham.
“Our residents should expect to be able to enjoy an evening out without feeling harassed, intimidated or worried about the possibility of their drinks being spiked.
“I’d like to see more staff across Wiltshire and Swindon sign up to these sessions, and the free e-learning courses, so people can have the confidence in the fact that their safety is of paramount importance to the places they visit.”
Amanda Baker is the General Manager of The Pheasant and is the chair of Chippenham Pubwatch:
“I think it’s important that our customers feel safe and secure, so that we build confidence within the local community to people are coming into venues feeling safe, feeling comfortable and feeling that they can ask for help using things such as “Ask For Angela” if needs be.
“As a parent of three daughters, I think it’s really important that our children feel safe when they’re out in Chippenham town centre, or anywhere really.
“The training is funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, so it’s free and there is no reason why our venues shouldn’t get involved. As chair of Chippenham Pubwatch, I’ve tried to encourage as many venues as possible to take up the training.”