Hartlepool's Middleton Grange Shopping Centre one of first businesses in Cleveland accredited a safe space for everyone
Middleton Grange Shopping Centre has become one of the first businesses in the area to be designated a safe space in a scheme to protect customers.
The first 10 local businesses have been accredited through Businesses Against Abuse (BAA) initiative designed to tackle violence against women and girls, child exploitation and knife crime.
Middleton Grange employees have received specialist training backed by professionals from Ivison Trust, ARCH, St John Ambulance and Eva Women’s Aid.
They have received training and other materials demonstrating their commitment to tackling predatory behaviour, identify how to respond and report incidents.
They also been given bleed control cabinets and kits to give life-saving first aid.
Middleton Grange manager Nik McDonald said: “The training our team completed has been genuinely beneficial, equipping us with valuable knowledge and practical skills to help protect our customers and create a safer environment for everyone who visits our centre.
“Knowing that our staff can now identify predatory behaviour, respond appropriately, and potentially provide life-saving first aid gives us tremendous confidence in our ability to safeguard our community.”
The initiative is delivered by the Cleveland Unit for the Reduction of Violence (CURV), within the office of Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey.
Other organisations in our area accredited so far include Hartlepool Cricket Club and Village Crossing Bar in Billingham.
Mr Storey said: “It’s great to know accreditations are already being received so early in delivery of the scheme and I encourage those who have taken part to share the knowledge gained from the training with their employees to secure the Businesses Against Abuse status.