SafetyNet has announced the launch of its ‘Spot the Shield’ campaign, encouraging islanders to look out for Safe Place Project certified venues when enjoying nights out.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the shield window stickers displayed by certified venues, which show that at least 70% of their customer-facing staff have completed specialist training to recognise and respond to situations where someone may feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or vulnerable.
The campaign follows the successful completion by 21 local venues of the Safe Place Project earlier this year. The Project was generously funded by the Social Investment Fund, and delivered by ‘the egalitarian’, making Guernsey the first place outside mainland Great Britain to participate in the national scheme.
The certified venues are: Amigos, Bad Habits, Bar Bar Jay, Fermain Valley Hotel, Good Rebel, Hotel de Havelet, La Reunion, Les Rocquettes Hotel, Moores Hotel, Pingquay, Prince of Wales, Randy Paddle, Rebellion Pizza, Slaughterhouse, St James Guernsey, St Pierre Park Hotel, The Golden Lion, The Imperial, The Rockmount, Thomas De La Rue, and the Vraiceaters Tavern.
To support raising awareness, SafetyNet is also offering ‘Spot the Shield’ support to local businesses to help them educate their staff about the Safe Place Project, how to identify certified venues, and what support is available if someone feels unsafe or needs help while out.
Specsavers kicked off the campaign earlier this month by becoming the first employer to officially support Spot the Shield. As one of the island’s largest employers and a company that regularly hosts social events, Specsavers’ support sends a strong message about corporate social responsibility and the importance of looking out for one another and promoting safer nights out.
SafetyNet Chair Poppy Murray said: “We’re so proud to be celebrating the 21 venues that have achieved Safe Place Project certification and shown real leadership in prioritising the safety and wellbeing of their customers and staff. The Spot the Shield campaign is about recognising their commitment and helping the public know where to find support if they ever need it. By bringing local employers like Specsavers on board, we’re also extending that message beyond the night-time economy, encouraging everyone to play a part in creating a community where people look out for one another and where safe nights out are the norm, not the exception.”
A number of Guernsey Police Officers and Staff attended one of the sessions to understand how the scheme aligns with the Police’s aims to ensure a safe and enjoyable nighttime economy environment for all to enjoy.
Together, these initiatives mark a major step forward in strengthening community safety and building a more supportive night-time culture across the island.
Guernsey Police Chief Officer Damian Kitchen said: “I continue to be impressed by the passion that SafetyNet and others across our community show for making Guernsey as safe as possible for everyone. While we live and work in a very safe community, with excellent hospitality and entertainment venues, our public survey earlier this year highlighted that some people have experienced harassment, unwanted touching, or intimidation when out in the nighttime economy. Women are consistently found to be disproportionately affected, but these behaviours can impact anyone, regardless of gender.
“It was therefore very positive to see that many bars, restaurants and pubs had sent their staff to these inputs delivered by established experts, demonstrating their determination and commitment to creating an environment where everyone can feel safe and respected. Giving staff the confidence to intervene early, or to simply check if someone is ok, is an important part of preventing anyone from becoming a victim of harassment or worse. It will also be a useful tool for the public to know which venues’ staff have undertaken the training.
“Community safety, tackling violence against women and girls, and prevention are all central themes in our new policing plan. Building relationships and working closely with the licensed trade is key. Guernsey Police already has strong relationships with licensed premises on the island and will continue to work collaboratively with them. I have been clear with our officers that I want zero tolerance for intimidation or aggression towards anyone and have been impressed by recent incidents where officers have taken firm and positive action. I hope this police response gives both bar staff and the public confidence to report any concerns or incidents.”
