We Stand Together
We Stand Together
A network of Safe Spaces is being created in Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight - part of this work will include venues signing up to be Safe Spaces in relation to tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
Project partners include; People Matter IW, Isle of Wight Safe Places, the Isle of Wight Council and Portsmouth Abuse and Rape Counselling Service (PARCS). As a network, we are committed to seeing violence against women and girls reduced and 24/7 support being more readily available within the community day and night.
We are looking to recruit venues across Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight to join the scheme and partner with us in providing safer spaces and informed staff, to support women and girls to feel safe in public spaces. Free training will be delivered by a partner organisation, the Portsmouth Abuse and Rape Counselling Service (PARCS), to equip your nominated safeguarding/named contact/staff member in how to support victims of sexual violence. Training can be held at your own venue or here at the People Matter IW Support Centre. We currently have 8 training sessions available between March and June 2023.
The following venues on the Isle of Wight have already completed the training and joined the scheme:
- Medina Leisure Centre - Newport
- Westridge Leisure Centre - Ryde
- The Heights Leisure Centre - Sandown
- Fever - Newport
- Aspire Ryde
- Independent Support Centre - Newport
- Isle of Wight College - Newport
- The Castle - Newport
- The Vine - St Helens
- The Crown - Shorwell
- Bar 74 - Ryde
- The Blacksmiths Arms - Newport
- Snap Fitness - Newport
If your venue is interested in joining the scheme or would like to find out more, please get in touch.