Torbay’s trailblazing work to make nights out safer is being celebrated as the Shout-Up! programme concludes after delivering widespread training and cultural change across the region.
First launched in November 2023, Shout-Up! Torbay was funded by Torbay Council through the Safer Streets initiative and set out to improve safety and inclusivity in local nightlife, aiming to make venues free from sexual harassment.
In just 18 months, the programme trained over 210 staff across 16 licensed venues in Torquay and Paignton. Those completing the process achieved Shout-Up! certification, a mark of excellence in creating safe and respectful spaces.
A diverse range of venues, from vibrant clubs like VIVA to popular independents like Otto, signed up to the initiative. The programme, delivered locally by Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services, received widespread praise for empowering staff and transforming attitudes across Torbay’s night-time economy.
Mandy Barnes of Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services said:
“We’ve seen a real culture shift in the venues we’ve worked with. Staff are more confident, policies are clearer, and people know where they stand when it comes to safety.
After training, 98% of participants told us they felt more confident in being able to identify sexual harassment, recognise its prevalence in the night-time economy, and understand its impact. 94% said they felt more confident knowing when they should step in.
That confidence is translating into action, after one training session, a young woman felt able to disclose to us, which led to other young women also coming forward and the perpetrator being identified and held accountable. In another case, a venue manager was able to offer a safe space and support for a group of young women who were being sexually harassed by older men; those women now visit the venue regularly.”
Councillor Hayley Tranter, Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities, praised the scheme’s impact:
“When we started this project, our ambition was to create safer nights out, especially for women and girls. The success of Shout-Up! shows that when businesses are given the right tools and support, they are eager to be part of the solution. We’re proud of every single venue and staff member who took part.”
Certification required venues to undertake bystander intervention training, set up robust anti-harassment policies, and commit to ongoing monitoring and accountability measures.
Groups such as East Street Pub Group — owners of VIVA, The Hyde Dendy, The Harbour Inn, and Queen Victoria — and JAM Leisure (Park Lane) were early adopters, completing full training across their Torbay sites and inspiring others to follow suit.
As the funded stage of the project concludes, the programme leaves behind a lasting framework for action. Certified venues will maintain their status for two years, with many intending to embed its principles long term.
“The end of this phase isn’t the end of the mission,” said Mandy Barnes. “It’s the start of a long-term change, and we’re proud at Devon Rape Crisis to have played a part in it.”
Shout-Up! will continue its work nationwide, encouraging other regions to adopt Torbay’s success as a blueprint for safer nightlife.
