Grow in Hackney Wick, founded in 2014, is a community venue built on the principles of ethical and sustainable business practice.

This independent music and arts venue, bar and kitchen hosts a diverse programme of cultural events that celebrate local and international talent. With a focus on ecological, social and economic sustainability, they have created an inclusive space for creativity and community. From live music and club nights to canal-side dining, they welcome a wide mix of people through their doors.

In 2025, we partnered with Grow to provide free online self-led Ask For Angela Vulnerability Training, ensuring there were no barriers to 100% of their staff being equipped with the skills and understanding to support their customers. Here’s Venue and Experience Manager Diggs Woods’ opinion on the scheme:

“It has been an invaluable asset, partnering with Ask for Angela. I see the bulk of my job as ensuring that every single person that comes into Grow – be they staff, customer, musician, animal, whatever – feels comfortable, feels safe, and feels able to have a good time. With all of the staff given Ask for Angela welfare training, I know and visitors know that every one behind that bar, or representing Grow, is someone they can trust and rely upon. That’s magic, to me. More than that, having this training available to my team empowers them far beyond the walls of Grow. And that’s community change, isn’t it? We only co-exist. It is incumbent upon us to create the communities in which we want to participate. Ask for Angela helps us do exactly that.”

Grow staff member Jasmine took the course and felt a difference immediately:

“The Ask for Angela training provides a thorough and concise explanation of the key things to look out for, and helped me feel more confident about stepping into a situation should I need to. Truly invaluable information.”

As part of our commitment to accessibility, Ask for Angela offers a limited number of free training licences for not-for-profit organisations or those facing financial barriers. For enquiries, please contact info@askforangela.co.uk.