Birmingham’s Colmore BID (Business Improvement District) has partnered with the Hollie Gazzard Trust to launch a new Supporter Organisation Scheme to educate staff on domestic abuse issues and help safeguard employees.
Colmore BID, which is responsible for delivering projects, initiatives and services in Birmingham’s commercial and professional services quarter, is the first to partner with the charity to trial the national scheme.
The programme provides not-for-profit organisations with safeguard training for staff members, a subscription to the UK’s largest safety app and 24/7 monitoring service, Hollie Guard Extra, at a discounted rate and monthly editions of the Hollie Gazette, a news, guidance and information e-newsletter.
Since 2009, Colmore BID’s Safe and Sound Working Group has been committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for businesses and visitors to the area. This investment forms part of the group’s wider strategy to upskill the District, providing all with valuable skills to keep each other safe and care for those in need.
Kate Bailey, Colmore BID Board Director and lead of the Safe and Sound Working Group, said: “We want to set the standard that any form of violence against women and girls is unacceptable. Partnering with the Hollie Gazzard Trust and being the first organisation in the United Kingdom to invest in the Supporter Organisation Scheme provides us with the highest duty of care to help safeguard employees.
“Through this, we want to raise awareness on issues surrounding domestic violence and boost staff confidence, empowering employees with essential skills and knowledge needed to look after themselves and each other.
“Whether at work, home or enjoying an evening out, we all deserve to be safe. Therefore, we urge all not-for-profit organisations in the District to sign up to the programme and promote it among colleagues and peers.”
Nick Gazzard, the Founder and CEO of the Hollie Gazzard Trust, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Colmore BID and work with them on some exciting safety initiatives. As a Trust, we have a strong focus on community safety and saw a natural fit with Colmore BID, given their approach to date.”
The Hollie Gazzard Trust was set up in memory of Nick Gazzard’s daughter Hollie, who was tragically murdered by her ex-boyfriend.
Since 2014, Nick has dedicated his life to helping protect people from abuse. He has been instrumental in developing concepts including Hollie Guard, a next-generation smartphone personal safety app, the only such app endorsed nationally by UK policing.
The Supporter Organisation Scheme has an annual cost of £600. For more information, please visit: www.holliegazzard.org.
To learn more about safety in the Colmore Business District, visit www.colmorebusinessdistrict.com/safercolmore.