Shout-Up!, a pioneering initiative by Newcastle City Council to combat sexual harassment in nightlife, continues to make strides. This festive season, 12 venues have recertified their commitment, and two new venues have joined, bringing the total to 56 certified Shout-Up! establishments across Newcastle.
Committed Venues
Prominent venues like Alvinos, Colonel Porter’s, and Newcastle Students’ Union have reaffirmed their dedication. The Cluny and Cumberland Arms, two of the original campaign supporters since 2017, stand out for their enduring commitment to creating harassment-free environments.
Dawn Bowman, Shout-Up! Lead for Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland, expressed the significance of this milestone: “For eight years, The Cluny and Cumberland Arms have remained steadfast in their dedication to safety. Their recertification highlights their role as exemplary establishments in Newcastle’s nightlife.”
Steve Brown, Manager of The Cluny, emphasised the campaign’s importance:
“Shout-Up! ensures both staff and patrons are safeguarded. Our team is trained to identify potential issues and intervene to prevent harassment.”
Newly Certified Venues
In 2024, venues like Bobby’s, Mushroom, and The Beehive have joined the campaign, demonstrating their commitment to providing safe spaces. These venues, some of which are iconic within Newcastle’s nightlife scene, have embraced Shout-Up!’s ethos of fostering inclusive and harassment-free environments.
Bethany, General Manager at Bobby’s, explained their motivation: “Joining Shout-Up! aligns with our goal to provide a safe environment. Sexual harassment should never be normalised, and we are proud to help change the narrative.”
With these additions, over 1,196 individuals in Newcastle’s nighttime economy have received specialised training under Shout-Up!. This training equips them to handle harassment effectively while contributing to a broader cultural shift within the industry.
Certification Requirements
To achieve Shout-Up! certification, venues must:
- Train all staff in Bystander Intervention, equipping them to recognise and safely address harassment.
- Develop and share sexual harassment policies for staff and patrons.
- Establish and publicise procedures for handling harassment incidents.
- Commit to creating harassment-free zones with visible signage.
- Regularly review policies, procedures, and training to maintain certification.
Broader Community Impact
Beyond individual venues, the campaign has made a noticeable impact on Newcastle’s nighttime economy. Certified venues are setting the standard for safety and inclusivity, serving as examples for other establishments. Customers now associate the Shout-Up! logo with venues that prioritise their well-being, fostering trust and loyalty.
The Campaign’s Success
Dawn Bowman highlighted the campaign’s overall success: “We’ve trained over 1,196 individuals, empowering them to address harassment effectively. With 56 certified venues, Newcastle’s nightlife is becoming safer, demonstrating that safety is a shared responsibility.”
Shout-Up!’s Origins and Expansion
Launched in Newcastle in 2017, Shout-Up! has since expanded to support venues in Northamptonshire and Torbay. This growth illustrates the initiative’s effectiveness and potential as a model for other cities.
Council Support
Councillor Lesley Storey, Newcastle City Council’s Cabinet member for children and families, reinforced the council’s dedication: “Newcastle is a thriving and welcoming city. Initiatives like Shout-Up! ensure everyone can enjoy the nightlife without fear. We urge more venues to join and contribute to a zero-tolerance approach to harassment.”
Encouragement to Join
Licensed venues in Newcastle that have yet to participate in Shout-Up! are encouraged to register through the website. The programme is free for bars, pubs, and clubs in the city, ensuring accessibility for all establishments.
Conclusion
This festive season, Newcastle reaffirms its commitment to safety, setting a strong example for others to follow. By prioritising zero-tolerance practices, the city ensures a welcoming and enjoyable nightlife for everyone.