29 Mar 2012

Bouncers, bartenders get disability classes

A disabled Manchester woman is the inspiration behind “I’m Not Laughing,” a campaign organisers hope to roll out nationally before the 2012 Olympics, to educate bar staff about hate crimes

Bolton police sergeant Paul Ellis, who will help kick off the national campaign on Thursday, started “I’m Not Laughing” last year after receiving a complaint letter from a woman, known only as Rachel, who suffers from growth restriction. Rachel complained that she was verbally abused in Bolton, Greater Manchester, during a night on the town with her boyfriend.

Sgt Ellis, in partnership with the local council and others, convinced local club owners, bouncers and bar staff to sit down for training sessions to discuss disability hate crimes. The day-long sessions aim to raise awareness by discussing the impact on victims.

“We talk them [bar staff] through their legal, moral and financial obligations under the Equality Act,” Sgt Ellis said. “We’ve rolled it out to 25 bars but we’re just at the beginning,”

Accredited premises are recognised by window stickers and staff badges.

Ellis hopes to involve other cities with the launch of Thursday’s campaign. Representatives from 40 groups are expected to attend, including other council members from across the UK.

A Facebook page dedicated to the “I’m Not Laughing” campaign has received 548 “Likes” in the past year. If Sgt Ellis has his way, there will be hundreds, if not thousands, more supporters to add.

Topics

,