Businesses encouraged to create safe space for LGBTQ+ customers

Published: Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Wandsworth businesses urged to join the Ask for Clive scheme.
Council has funded free training so businesses can be LGBTQ+ friendly.
Campaign launched during Pride Month and will continue througout the year.

Wandsworth Council has teamed up with charity Ask for Clive to encourage shops, businesses and venues to create a welcoming environment for the LGBTQ+ community.

It is making a donation behalf of businesses who want to take part in the scheme so their staff can get trained in how to deal with reports of discrimination and harassment.

Businesses receive a door sticker let people know that everyone is welcome and discrimination won’t be tolerated. Businesses are also asked to put up “Everyone is Welcome Here” posters.

The campaign is part of a month-long programme of events and celebrations marking Pride Month in Wandsworth, but it will continue beyond the month. The council’s Economic Development team will do regular shout-out to local businesses to encourage other businesses to take part.

Tooting Market is one of the first businesses to sign up. Baron Deschauer, Manager of Tooting Market, said: “We are pleased to take part in the campaign because everyone is welcome at Tooting Market. We want our venue to be known as a safe space where discrimination will not be tolerated.”

Tom from Northcote Records in Battersea said: "We’re delighted to partner with Ask for Clive to work collaboratively on the important issues of creating a safe and inclusive space for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community."

Kemi Akinola, Deputy Council leader, met and congratulated local businesses who have signed up to the scheme. She said: "We want all our businesses to be safe, welcoming, inclusive places for everyone. Ask for Clive is a great way to show your support for the LGBTQ+ community as well as demonstrating how much you value and care for your customers."

Sign up for Ask for Clive. If you would like the council-sponsored stickers email j.stanuel-taitte@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk

Businesses that have signed up so far include: