Active bystander training to equip people with the skills to challenge unacceptable behaviours has launched in Truro – and is available completely free of charge.
Launched as part of Safer Streets, the training is just one of a comprehensive programme of initiatives aimed at addressing anti-social behaviour (ASB) and violence against women and girls (VAWG) in and around Truro.
Partially funded by the government’s Safer Streets Fund, the initiatives will run until autumn 2023.
Safer Streets brings together various partners who are collectively implementing a series of improvements throughout the city.
The VAWG initiatives within the Safer Streets programme are designed to tackle the root causes of violence and provide support to those affected.
Collaborating closely with schools, businesses, at-risk groups, and community organisations, the programme aims to deliver impactful awareness campaigns and projects.
A cornerstone of these efforts is the implementation of active bystander training for local businesses, individuals, and staff employed in the night-time economy.
Delivered by Safer Futures and Barnardo’s, Active Bystander training equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to intervene safely and effectively when witnessing situations that could potentially escalate into anti-social behaviour or violence against women and girls.
The 90-minute sessions are designed to empower individuals who have ever found themselves witnessing a potentially harmful event or incident but were unsure how to intervene effectively. The workshop aims to provide participants with essential knowledge and skills to recognise various forms of relational abuse, including sexual harassment, hate crime, and bullying. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the barriers that often prevent people from stepping in when such incidents occur.
By encouraging people to become active bystanders, Truro is fostering a community that takes responsibility for the safety and well-being of its residents, businesses and visitors. Participants will learn to recognise potentially dangerous situations, how to safely diffuse conflicts and protect vulnerable individuals; ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of the community.
“We believe that active bystander training is an essential tool in fostering a safe and secure community,” said Danny Byrne, from Barnardo’s.
“By empowering businesses and individuals to intervene and support one another, we are working towards a Truro where everyone feels protected and confident in their surroundings. Together, we can make a real difference and create lasting change.”
The Safer Streets programme is committed to continuing its collaborative efforts with partners, businesses, and community members to make Truro a model of safety, equality, and respect.
By addressing the root causes of ASB and VAWG and providing valuable training, the programme is paving the way for a brighter future.
There are free Active Bystander Train the Trainer courses taking place on Tuesday, September 19 and September 26. The courses are targeted at professionals in Truro such as college and university staff, youth workers and people working in the evening and night-time economy. The training will equip people with the skills and knowledge to deliver future 90-minute sessions on what it is to be an active bystander and how to safely intervene to call out negative behaviour.
• For more information or to book a place, visit saferfutures.org.uk