Liverpool Gin Distillery is one of many You’re Safe Here accredited venues in Liverpool City Centre. We spoke to staff member Akiel Owoo about receiving You’re Safe Here training and why it’s important that more venues get accredited.
What did you expect from You’re Safe Here training?
I just thought it was just going to be one of those general safety training sessions. So you’d go in and you’d be given a brochure and then, obviously, be given certain instructions, but it was a lot more engaging than I actually expected.
Do you think that it’s been beneficial to staff?
Yes, definitely. I didn’t realise how much access there is to help and support out there. A lot of people are negative when it comes to the Police or why LGBT+ rights should matter to them. We focus on the bad parts, and never hear about the good parts. So it’s nice to see that there are certain departments of the police that you can actually talk to and get help from and then they can refer you to charities that can support you as well.
How do you think You’re Safe Here supports visitors to your venue and other accredited venues?
You know you are surrounded by other people who are like-minded, who mightn’t even be in the LGBT+ community, but they are there to support you. If you are new to the city and feel a bit vulnerable due to your identity, it’s nice to know that there are businesses that you can go to and feel safe and be yourself.
Would you say that every venue across Liverpool City Region should have You’re Safe Here training?
I think it would be really beneficial. When you miscommunicate or misunderstand, that’s where hate can come from. We fear what we don’t know. This just helps everyone be on the same page and know you’re saying the right thing.
Visit youresafehere.info to find out more. You can also book onto an upcoming training session.
