Vulnerability Training

Ensuring that businesses in Reading’s nighttime economy are well-prepared, confident, and equipped to handle challenging situations is a key priority for Reading BID. In May 2023, we delivered our first Vulnerability Awareness Session, designed specifically for staff working in late-night venues. This vital training aimed to enhance safety, empower staff with practical knowledge, and reinforce the town’s commitment to protecting both customers and employees. 

The session covered essential skills for handling medical emergencies, including how to treat traumatic wounds such as stabbings. Attendees were also guided through the correct operation of a defibrillator, with a live demonstration of the machine and its step-by-step use in a real-life scenario. This approach ensured that staff left the session feeling confident in their ability to respond swiftly and effectively in an emergency. 

Reading’s Street Pastors led an insightful session on Bystander Intervention, highlighting the crucial role that venue staff play in preventing harm both inside and outside their establishments to safeguard vulnerable individuals and de-escalate potentially dangerous situations. Police Inspector James Tribe further reinforced the importance of collaboration by sharing examples of best practices already in place within the town centre, encouraging venue staff to share their own processes, fostering a valuable exchange of knowledge and experience between businesses. 

Reading BID provides these training sessions free of charge to nighttime economy businesses within the BID area, helping venues save on costs while ensuring staff receive expert-led guidance without needing to travel. These sessions also allow businesses to connect, learn from one another, and strengthen the collective commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming nightlife in Reading.