Working for Safer Nights
Through collaboration with city partners, Worcester BID has secured awards such as Purple Flag that enhance accountability for city partners and local businesses, promote safer evenings, and maintain consistent adherence to legislation across venues, ultimately increasing Worcester’s appeal to investors, visitors, and residents alike. We are now working with Night-Time Economy experts, Six Till Six, to support with guidance and the delivery of new initiatives for 2023.
Purple Flag is an international accreditation that recognises cities committed to creating safe and thriving night-time environments for everyone. Similar to Blue Flag beaches or Green Flag parks, Purple Flag is awarded to cities that prioritize the well-being of their citizens and visitors after dark. Worcester earned Purple Flag status for the first time in September 2022 thanks to a successful application led by Worcester BID, with support from Worcester City Council and West Mercia Police, showcasing the city's excellence in the evening and night-time economy. Worcester will soon be applying for a fourth consecutive year of accreditation.
Worcester BID is implementing the Best Bar None accreditation scheme, supported by the Home Office, to assess licensed venues for compliance and recognise exceptional service. The scheme aims to reduce alcohol-related crime, improve relationships between the licensed trade and supporting agencies, and enhance knowledge and skills of enforcement agencies, licensees, and bar staff. The assessment takes no more than 2 hours and is conducted by an impartial assessor. To join the scheme, fill out the interactive .pdf available HERE and send it back to info@WorcesterBID.com
Worcester BID established a Pub Watch for the city and currently facilitates the Pub Watch meetings with members of our city centre businesses acting as chair and vice chairs. The launch of Worcester Pub Watch took place on July 20, 2023. To enrol your licensed venue in the meetings, please email us at info@WorcesterBID.com
The Worcester Safe Space is a new project under Worcester BIDs program, aimed at providing safer nights for vulnerable individuals. It was introduced in the city on December 15th 2023 and has recently celebrated it's first anniversary! Safe Space uses a mobile van that serves as a haven at night, offering first response first aid care, reducing the strain on the NHS in the A&E department during night-time economy hours. Since Summer 2024, Safe Space has also been brought into the day time hours to support business operations and the needs of our visitors.
Additionally, it will provide a space for support and conversation and access to water and clothing if required, ensuring a safe night out in the city. Worcester BID will provide the Safe Space, with support from West Mercia Police, Worcester University, Worcester Street Pastors, and other key organisations.
To Celebrate our first anniversary, Safe Space data was made public, showing that the hardworking Safe Space team of medical professionals has:
★ Assisted with 2,629** medical, welfare, enquiries, and other incidents.
★ Saved the NHS a minimum of ยฃ70,623.00** in ambulance conveyance alone, reducing the impact of city operations.
★ Eliminated the need for 137 ambulances**, reducing pressure on NHS services.
Worcester BID conducts public perception surveys to gather feedback on the city, including public safety opinions. The results are used to identify areas for improvement, such as increased police presence and lighting changes.
Our vulnerability training courses provide your business with the opportunity to excel in creating a safe environment for both your customers and staff.
Ask for Angela
The 'Ask for Angela' safety initiative has been implemented in licensed establishments nationwide. It enables individuals who feel unsafe to seek assistance by requesting 'Angela' from a staff member. This prompts the staff member or a trained colleague to offer support, which may include calling a taxi, the police, or providing a safe place to rest and escape the situation.
Preventing Sexual Harassment
This training gives you and your staff the know-how to help to keep colleagues and customers safe from unwelcome advances, promoting a safer environment.
Bystander
Bystander training offers you a chance to see how your business and staff can play a part in preventing sexual harassment in our pubs, clubs, hotels, shops and on the streets of our towns.
Spiking & Prevention
The main goal of this preventive training is to enhance awareness and minimize risk, safeguarding individuals in your establishment.
