Wiltshire's largest theatre signs up to specialist training to support vulnerable customers
Staff from Wiltshire's largest theatre have taken part in specialist training, funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Swindon and Wiltshire, to ensure a safer night out for the customers.
Swindon's Wyvern Theatre hosted a Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) session, which equips staff in licensed venues with the tools to spot individuals who may be at risk, helping to reduce violent incidents, sexual crimes, and injuries linked to drug and alcohol misuse.
This training, which has already taken place in Trowbridge, Chippenham and Salisbury, isn’t just about protocols—it’s about understanding how even people who consider themselves to be "streetwise" can be caught off guard.
Though many people set out for an enjoyable night out feeling healthy, confident, and self-reliant, unpredictable events or substance influences can suddenly leave them more exposed and in need of additional support.
Staff learn how to intervene sensitively and effectively when they notice someone showing signs of vulnerability. They’re trained to recognize red flags, including the risks of drink spiking, and get acquainted with the ‘Ask for Angela’ initiative—a trusted beacon of support present in many venues across Wiltshire and Swindon.
Laura James is the director of the Wyvern Theatre and Swindon Arts Centre:
"It's vitally important all customer and visitor facing staff and volunteers are aware of how they can assist vulnerable visitors and members of the public, recognise when people need help, find them the right support and report it in the right way.
"Our staff and volunteers are well trained in assisting our customers, but this training will give them the confidence to approach and deal with certain situations which may arise"
Along with staff from the Wyvern and Swindon Arts Centre, licensees, bar and security staff from the Power Lounge, Kioki and Tawny Owl also joined the session, with a further session planned in Swindon later this year.
John Barker is the Police Alcohol Licensing Officer for Swindon:
"WAVE training is a crucial tool to help venues become as safe and secure as possible. It also covers Ask for Angela, spiking and violence against women and girls.
"It is great to see so many of the Swindon venues and Swindon Pubwatch actively partaking in this training and working in partnership with the police, council and door staff companies.
"All the venues have also signed up to the Safety At Night Charter and this shows their overall commitment to help in the key licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder and public safety.
"This will make the Swindon night-time economy as safe and enjoyable as possible. Both to keep everyone safer and make everyone feel safer."
This effort forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to making Wiltshire’s streets safer.
Already, Home Office funding has been used to deploy night-time economy wardens in Trowbridge and Salisbury on weekend evenings, as well as to install four portable CCTV cameras in Salisbury, extend CCTV coverage in Swindon town centre, and enhance both lighting and surveillance throughout Swindon.
