Workers at pubs, bars and clubs in Milton Keynes are set to receive free training to spot and tackle inappropriate behaviour that people could be subjected to on a night out.
Milton Keynes City Council, the OPCC and Safer MK partners have commissioned the training on how to be an ‘active bystander’, which will give workers the skills and confidence to challenge and take action when they spot unacceptable predatory and derogatory behaviour.
The online training is completely free to venues for a year and is being provided by behaviour change experts Aneemo.
It features real scenarios that people working behind bars, on doors and in other night time economy roles are regularly faced with such as unwanted sexual contact, and will to develop intervention skills on how workers can help people.
The training is being delivered as part of a Safer Streets programme. Last year, MK City Council and Thames Valley Police secured almost £750,000 of Home Office funding towards the multi-agency programme which is already being used for upgrades along popular pedestrian routes, including better lighting and reflective paint in underpasses. Additional CCTV cameras have also been installed, with increased police presence at the weekends in Central Milton Keynes.
Venues interested in enrolling in the training should contact contact@aneemo.com.
“This is a really important step to ensure staff are equipped with the skills they need to support people, in particular women and girls on a night out. The training will give staff the confidence to step in and diffuse situations where women and girls are being subjected to inappropriate and derogatory behaviour. I would strongly encourage all organisations operating in the night-time economy to get involved.”
“We are delighted to be working with Milton Keynes City Council and Thames Valley Police and Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner to deliver this free course for MK staff, exclusively on the Aneemo platform. This project is exceptionally important at this time where there is a concerted effort locally in Milton Keynes, as well as nationally, to make our streets and communities safer for everyone; including women who are known to be disproportionately impacted by sexual harassment and abuse.
“There is significant evidence of the benefits of Bystander Intervention Training in helping us all recognise harassment and abuse and know how to respond safely and effectively. This course aims to impart these skills and help us all work together in allyship to make our communities safer.”