Creating Safer Nightlife Spaces: Spotting and Supporting Vulnerable Individuals
The night-time economy is a vibrant space, but it also poses risks for those who are vulnerable.
Vulnerability in the night-time economy isn’t always obvious, but the impact of neglecting it can be severe. This guide will empower staff with the skills and awareness needed to protect those at risk and maintain a positive, safe atmosphere.
Below you will find actionable steps for your venue staff and security. You will also find chapter links on the right to easily navigate to the different sections. Together we can learn to spot the signs and take action to create safer night spaces.
Why Safety Matters in the Night-Time Economy
The night-time economy is a vibrant and lively space, but it also presents unique challenges, especially for those who may be vulnerable. Ensuring a safe environment not only protects individuals but also enhances the reputation of your venue as a secure, welcoming place. When people feel safe, they are more likely to enjoy their experience, return, and recommend your venue to others. By taking simple but powerful steps to support safety, you’re helping to foster a positive culture that benefits customers, staff, and the wider community.
This guide provides actionable steps and practical tools for spotting vulnerability and intervening effectively. Together, we can create safer spaces where everyone can enjoy the night confidently and securely.
What is Vulnerability in the Night-Time Economy?
In nightlife settings, vulnerability refers to an individual’s increased risk of experiencing harm- whether physical, emotional, or otherwise. Importantly, anyone can become vulnerable under certain conditions, and it’s not often immediately visible. Being alert to signs of vulnerability and acting with empathy can make a significant difference.
Understanding Vulnerability
Common Signs of Vulnerability
Vulnerability can look different depending on the situation and the individual. Here are some key indicators that staff should keep in mind:
Physical Indicators: Visible signs of injury, intoxication, or physical distress, like difficulty walking
Behavioural Indicators: Someone appearing anxious, withdrawn, confused, or overly aggressive
Situational Indicators: Customers who are alone, unfamiliar with the area, lacking personal possessions, or showing signs of emotional distress
Remember, vulnerability can be influenced by factors such as age, intoxication, language barriers, cultural differences, or harassment. Awareness of these factors can help staff identify individuals who may need support and assistance.
Our Duty of Care as Night-Time Workers
A duty of care is an obligation for all individuals and organisations to ensure they do not, either by their actions or through their inaction, cause injury to another person.
As venue staff and security, we all have a duty of care to protect those who visit our venues. This duty means recognising when someone may be at risk and taking steps to ensure their safety and well-being. Safeguarding patrons not only helps prevent harm but also reinforces your venue’s commitment to a secure, enjoyable experience. By supporting vulnerable individuals, we uphold the responsibility of care and contribute to a positive atmosphere for everyone.
Taking Action: How to Approach and Support
Speaking to the Person
Approach customers who may be vulnerable in a calm, respectful, and non-threatening manner. Use gentle body language and a soft tone. Introduce yourself and explain your role in ensuring their safety. For example, “Hello, I’m [Your Name] from [Venue/Team]. You seem a bit distressed; is there anything I can help you with?”
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Use open-minded questions to invite them to share their needs, Examples include, “Do you need any assistance?” or “Would you like to move somewhere quieter?” This approach ensures they don’t feel judged or pressured and have the space to express their concerns.
Show Empathy and Patience: Understand that the person may be confused, scared, or embarrassed. Avoid rushing them or dismissing their feelings. It’s essential to show genuine concern and patience as they gather their thoughts.
Listening and Assessing
Active Listening: Give the person your full attention. Use affirmative gestures, like nodding, to show you are engaged. Avoid interrupting or appearing distracted. Demonstrate empathy by saying things like, “I understand this might be overwhelming.”
Non-Judgmental Support: Acknowledge their feelings without passing judgment. People might feel embarrassed or scared, so it's crucial to reassure them that your priority is their safety and well-being.
Assessing the Situation: Ask practical questions to gauge the level of risk or distress they are experiencing. For instance:
“Do you have any friends nearby?”
“Have you lost any belongings?”
“Do you need medical help, or would you like to rest in a quiet space?”
Intervention Steps
Provide Immediate Care and Comfort: If the person needs support, guide them to a designated safe area, such as a quiet room in the venue or a safe spot monitored by staff. Offer water or a seat to make them comfortable.
Call for Help When Needed: If the person is seriously unwell, don’t hesitate to call an ambulance. Explain to the emergency responders any relevant observations, like symptoms of spiking or severe distress. Use local support resources like CGL’s Safe Space at St Paul’s Church on West Street, the Night Safety Marshals, your Mobile Support Unit, or Street Pastors if they are nearby.
Preserve Safety Evidence: If the situation involves suspected predatory behaviour or drink spiking, ensure that any relevant evidence, like a drink or CCTV footage, is secured and made available to the police.
Helping People Get Home Safely
When assisting vulnerable customers, take steps to ensure they are accompanied by trusted individuals and have a safe way to get home.
Confirm Trustworthy Companions: If the person is with others, ask discreet questions to confirm they are with friends who have their best interests at heart.
Support a Safe Journey Home: Arrange transport, contact a friend or relative if needed, or guide them to Safe Space services. Double-check that they have their belongings before leaving.
Coordinate with Local Safety Services: Use resources like the BCRP radio network to communicate with local safety teams, ensuring coordinated efforts to help patrons safely reach their destination.
All of the local services below are partners of the Brighton BCRP and can be contacted for assistance on Channel 1 of the NightSafe radio.
Local Support Services
Safe Space
Location: St Paul’s Church, West Street
Supporting people who need help on a night out. Offers medical assistance, emotional support, and practical advice.
Time: Friday & Saturday 23:30-04:00 hrs
Night Safety Marshals
Location: City Centre Patrols
Trained SIA-accredited staff, patrolling the city centre, engaging with the public, assisting individuals in getting home safely
Time: Friday & Saturday 20:00-04:00 hrs
Beach Patrol
Location: Beach front between the two piers
Quad bike patrol across the beach with trained operatives. Preventing drink drownings and looking out for those who need assistance.
Time: Friday & Saturday 23:00-04:00 hrs
When to Call the Police
Understanding when to involve the police is essential for handling serious incidents:
Immediate Danger or Threat: If there’s a violent situation or someone’s safety is at risk, call the police immediately.
Suspected Spiking: If a customer shows symptoms of spiking, call the police without delay and secure evidence. (See our Spiking guide). You can also report on 101, or online
Criminal Activity: Report any suspected criminal behaviour, such as drug dealing, harassment, or weapon possession, to the police.
Unresponsive or Seriously Unwell Individuals: In cases where someone is unresponsive or at high risk, call for an ambulance and if necessary, police.
When in doubt: If staff are unsure whether a situation warrants police involvement, it’s always safer to err on the side of caution. Calling the police in ambiguous situations can prevent a potentially dangerous situation from escalating.
Document Everything: Ensure that the incident is documented, including what led to the police being called, any evidence preserved, and the names and contacts of details of anyone involved and any witnesses.
Creating a Safer Night-Time Economy: A Guide for Staff and Security
We understand that working in a busy night-time venue comes with a lot of responsibility and demands. Balancing excellent customer service with ensuring the safety of your patrons is challenging, but it’s also one of the most valuable ways you can support your business and community. When people feel safe and protected, they are more likely to enjoy their night and return to your venue.
By taking proactive steps to keep patrons safe, you are not just safeguarding individuals—you are contributing to a positive and reputable environment that encourages repeat business and enhances your venue’s standing.
How You Can Help: Preventative Measures for Staff and Security
1. Proactive Patrols
Regular Checks: Take turns patrolling high-traffic and vulnerable areas like the dance floor, restrooms, and outside the venue. A visible and approachable presence can deter unsafe behaviour and give patrons confidence that they are in a secure space.
Quick and Visible Action: You don’t have to patrol constantly. Instead, make brief but frequent patrols part of your routine, ensuring people see that you are there to help. This visibility goes a long way in creating a secure atmosphere.
2. Creating a Safe Space
Designated Quiet Areas: Consider setting up a small, well-monitored quiet space where patrons can rest if they feel unwell or overwhelmed. This space should be easy to access but separate from loud or crowded areas.
Partner with Local Safety Teams: Know where to direct people who need more help, such as CGL Safe Space on West Street or services like Night Safety Marshals. Collaborating with these resources can make a big difference without adding extra burden to your team.
3. Bystander Intervention
Empower Your Team: Staff who notice something concerning should feel confident to step in, even in simple ways. This could mean asking, “Is everything okay here?” if someone looks uncomfortable or creating a distraction to separate individuals when needed. Remember, small actions can make a big impact.
Recognising Warning Signs: Train your staff to look for behaviours that might signal a problem, like someone persistently following a patron who seems anxious or isolating someone who looks intoxicated or distressed.
Cultural Awareness and Empathy-Driven Support
In a diverse and vibrant night-time setting, patrons come from various backgrounds, each bringing unique experiences and needs. By adopting an empathy-driven approach, staff can help create an inclusive, welcoming environment that respects each individual. This approach doesn’t require specialised skills but relies on practical actions and awareness that help patrons feel safe, understood, and respected.
Embracing Cultural Sensitivity in Nightlife Settings
Being culturally aware means recognising that different patrons may respond differently in nightlife environments. Language barriers, cultural norms, and past experiences can all impact how patrons interact with staff or ask for help. Here are some ways staff can approach these differences with empathy:
Language Barriers: Use simple language, give patrons time to respond, and use gestures to offer assistance if needed. Speaking calmly and offering visual cues like water or a quiet space can go a long way.
Cultural Differences: Patrons from diverse backgrounds may have varying comfort levels with authority figures or personal space. Approach patrons respectfully, ask for permission before taking action, and avoid assumptions based on appearance or behaviour.
Gender Sensitivity: Some patrons may feel more comfortable talking to staff of a particular gender. When possible, try to accommodate these preferences to help patrons feel at ease.
Principles of Empathy-Driven Support
Empathy-driven support is about making patrons feel safe and respected. Here’s how to put this into practice:
Safety and Reassurance: Visible safety measures, like patrolling staff and clear signage for support services, make patrons feel secure. Pointing patrons towards Safe Space or other resources signals that help is nearby if needed.
Transparency and Trust: Introduce yourself by name and role, and explain any actions you’re taking to assist. If you’re moving a patron to a quiet space, let them know why—this transparency helps build comfort.
Choice and Control: Whenever possible, give patrons options, like sitting in a quiet space or calling a friend. Providing choices gives them control over their experience, which can be reassuring.
Respect and Patience: Use polite, simple language and avoid assumptions. Be patient, especially with those who may need extra time due to language barriers or past experiences.
Small actions—like respecting personal space, giving patrons options, and showing compassion—help create a safer and more inclusive atmosphere that all patrons can appreciate.
Refusal and Ejection Policies: Safeguarding Responsibly
If you need to refuse entry or eject someone, remember that your duty of care extends to making sure they don’t end up vulnerable or at risk. This could mean:
Ensuring the person has a safe way to get home, like arranging a taxi or checking if they have a friend nearby.
Escorting them to a safe area if needed and ensuring they aren’t left alone.
By handling these situations thoughtfully, you protect your patrons and uphold the reputation of your venue.
Ensure that all refusals and ejections are appropriately logged- noting down the reasons and any relevant observations.
Training and Staff Empowerment
We know training takes time, but the skills learned can be lifesaving and improve your interactions with customers. Short, focused training sessions—like WAVE (Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement) or Bystander Intervention training—can equip your team with the confidence to handle difficult situations. It’s an investment in your staff and your venue’s reputation.
Venue Design and Security Enhancements
Simple Changes for Big Impact: Increasing lighting in darker areas, regularly monitoring CCTV, and using drink safety tools like Stop Tops or Spikeys can make a huge difference.
Incident Reporting: Encourage staff to document incidents clearly and efficiently, using systems already in place. This not only helps in case of follow-up but also builds a picture of safety challenges in your venue.
Clear Policies and Reporting Mechanisms
1. Establish a Clear Policy on Vulnerability
Define Vulnerability: Your policy should clearly outline what constitutes vulnerability in the context of your venue. This could include patrons who appear heavily intoxicated, are alone and distressed, or are at risk of being targeted by predatory behaviour.
Roles and Responsibilities: Make sure each staff member knows their role in recognising and addressing these situations. Whether it’s bartenders keeping an eye out for unusual behaviour, security staff intervening, or managers overseeing serious incidents, everyone should understand what’s expected of them.
Training and Accessibility: Once your policy is in place, ensure every staff member has read and understood it. Consider holding short, interactive training sessions or providing a digital copy that staff can easily refer back to. Reinforce key points during regular staff meetings to keep awareness high.
2. Clear and Simple Reporting Mechanisms
Accessible for All Staff: Reporting systems should be easy for everyone to use, even during a busy night. This could be a digital form, a designated incident logbook behind the bar, or a quick-report button on a staff app.
Step-by-Step Guide: Provide a simple guide outlining what to report, how to report it, and who to inform. For example, “If you notice a vulnerable person, document the signs you observed, the action you took, and any follow-up needed. Then, inform the duty manager or security lead.”
Emergency and Non-Emergency Protocols: Make sure staff know the difference between situations that require immediate action (like calling emergency services) and those that should be logged and followed up later (such as monitoring someone’s behaviour over time).
3. Empower Staff Through Knowledge
Quick Reference Materials: Consider creating a small handbook or a quick-reference card for staff to carry or keep in key areas. This can include signs of vulnerability, intervention tips, and key contact numbers.
Faster Access to Help: When reporting mechanisms are clear and easy to use, staff can act swiftly. This not only protects the individual in need but also reassures other patrons that safety is a priority, helping to foster a sense of trust and care in your venue.
4. Continuous Improvement
Feedback Loop: Encourage staff to provide feedback on the policy and reporting procedures. If they find any part confusing or impractical, be open to suggestions for improvement. This will help ensure the system works well in the fast-paced environment of a night-time venue.
By having a well-understood and easily accessible policy on vulnerability, your team will be better equipped to handle incidents efficiently and compassionately, making your venue a safer and more welcoming place for everyone.
A Final Note on Balancing Duties
We understand that your time is precious and that safety isn’t the only priority. But remember, looking out for your patrons is good customer service. By taking a few extra steps to create a safe and welcoming environment, you contribute to a positive experience that encourages customers to return and recommend your venue to others.
Together, we can make Brighton’s night-time economy not only vibrant and enjoyable but also safe for everyone.
Useful Contacts
Useful Contacts
Brighton Crime Reduction Partnership
Here to support venues and promote partnership working and intelligence sharing.
Local charity outreach service funded by the council
Charity working to provide support to hospitality workers.
A charity working to help with wellbeing, financial support, and offer practical advice to those working in the trade.
Contact the police if a spiking is suspected.
Is the incident ongoing? Call 999
Are you calling after the incident has taken place (e.g. the next day)? Call 101
Safe Space, St Paul’s Church, West Street
Local service supporting anyone who needs help on their night out. Physical and emotional support.
07979 104406
Open Fridays and Saturdays from 23:30-04:00
Free confidential and independent support to help move beyond the impact of a crime.
0808 1689 111
Survivors Network
Support services for survivors of sexual violence
01273 720110
0808 500 222 - 24 hour helpline (Rape Crisis England & Wales)