Winchester offers welcome to all as district businesses embrace sanctuary scheme
Businesses and organisations across the district are enlisting as Spaces of Sanctuary to provide safety and support for local residents as part of a new project led by Winchester City Council.
Through the project, venue staff and volunteers will be available for a confidential conversation with anyone seeking peace and safety in their venues, and will be trained to help signpost any queries to the right place.
The scheme was devised by Winchester City Council to help increase access to safe and supportive locations across the district by creating a network of community groups, organisations, parish councils and local businesses that can be accessed by anyone seeking a safe environment.
Cabinet Member for Community and Engagement Cllr Becker said:
“Access to peaceful, supportive spaces where people can be sure they won’t be judged is something everyone deserves – so I’m really pleased to announce our new Spaces of Sanctuary initiative, which forms part of our commitment to the City of Sanctuary motion made by the council in 2022.
“We’re always on the lookout to expand the network and make sure more people have access to these Spaces of Sanctuary – I’d encourage any organisations who can offer respite to those residents who need it to get in touch.”
One local business that’s already signed up to the scheme is the Cabinet Rooms café-bar in the city centre. Speaking about the scheme, Co-founder of The Cabinet Rooms Gary Whiter said:
“At the Cabinet Rooms we're proud to have a welcoming, inclusive and safe space for adults who feel the benefit. When we found out about the City Council's Space of Sanctuary scheme it made sense to us to support the initiative. We're looking forward to getting involved to further support our local community."
The Spaces of Sanctuary will be identified by window stickers so that passersby will know it’s a place they can go to get help should the need arise.
More information, as well as a full list of Spaces of Sanctuary can be found on the Winchester City Council website: www.winchester.gov.uk/city-and-spaces-of-sanctuary
Businesses and other organisations interested in getting involved can also contact Community Engagement Officer Mark Maitland at mmaitland@winchester.gov.uk or on 01962 848518.
Organisations and businesses will be provided with free training and a resource guide to help give staff and the confidence to deal with any likely scenarios that may occur and to know where to refer individuals who might need further support.