UK ESG Watch - Street-Level Social Support
The street-level commercial resources of the U.K. are leveraged to provide better social support to local communities.
1. Community Toilet Scheme (CTS)
Local businesses, e.g. McDonald's, are invited to join the Scheme for providing toilet facilities to the general public. The participants will gain a free publicity/promotion and receive a financial contribution from the government in exchange for providing the public with clean, safe accessible toilet facilities (without making a purchase). Details, please see:
2. Ask for Angela
The safety initiative ‘Ask for Angela’ is rolled out to bars, clubs and other licensed businesses across London. People who feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened can discreetly seek help by approaching venue staff and asking them for ‘Angela’. This code-phrase will indicate to staff that they require help with their situation and a trained member of staff will then look to support and assist them. This might be through reuniting them with a friend, seeing them in a taxi, or by calling venue security and/or the police. Details please see:
3. Safe Spaces
HSBC UK Safe Spaces are available during opening hours in all branch locations in the U.K., with dedicated areas and confidential support available for all individuals, whether they are a customer of the bank or not., The bank provides access to a confidential phone line to contact a support service or talk to a friend or family member. Details please see:
Mutual support in our community is important and the best practice for inclusiveness. The collaboration between commercial sectors, governments and NGOs can lead to a win-win result.