We all want to have a great time, but when going out in a busy city it’s important to also be safe. We have gathered some helpful tips and services to help you stay safe on a night out.
In a busy place, it is easy to lose track of your drink or bump into people that make you feel uncomfortable. There are a few things you can do to help you and your friends.
BE AWARE OF Drink Spiking
Before heading out, you should be aware of the potential dangers that could occur. Unfortunately, drinking spiking can happen, even if you don’t drink alcohol. To protect yourself from spiking:
- Don’t leave your drink unattended or accept a drink from someone you don’t know.
- Ask at the bar for drink covers or disposable bottle stoppers.
- Check if the venue have Ask for Angela. This is a scheme where you can discreetly ask for help from a member of staff if you feel uncomfortable or are in a difficult situation.
- Check if the venue have Ask for Clive, so you can discreetly ask for help if you’ve experienced any LGBTQIA+ discrimination.
What to do if you/your friend are spiked
If you think you or a friend has been spiked it’s important to tell someone as soon as you can:
- Alert a member of staff or security if you’re at a venue.
- Stay with your friend and keep talking to them; don’t let them go home on their own or leave with someone you don’t know.
- Call 999 if you’re in immediate danger. If it isn’t an emergency, call 101 or report it online to the police.
If you’re unsure if you’ve been spiked, or you or someone else has symptoms call 111 for medical advice, or 999 if symptoms get worse.
Plan Your Journey Home
At the end of the night, you don’t want to be questioning how to get home. Plan how you’ll get home before your night out and make sure services are running as expected. From public transport to Uber, there are different options for you to get home.
- Trains run until about midnight depending on where you live. Take a look to see if one can get you home on Trainline.
- There are tram locations throughout Manchester, and many have night services.
- Night buses are a great and cheap way to travel after midnight. The 36 and V1 routes pass by campus, but there are other services that you can use to get around Greater Manchester.
- Uber is a great option, especially if public transport isn’t available. If you use Uber, make sure to keep your code to yourself and share your ride, so friends can track your journey.
If you find yourself walking home, keep to well-lit and busy areas. You can call Strut Safe to have a friendly voice to keep you company and help make you feel safe until you arrive at home.
Stay With Your Friends
It may sound obvious, but staying with your friends is an important part of staying safe. In busy places it can be easy to lose your group.
Before the night:
- Charge your phone. You’ll need your phone to message friends and get home, so charge your phone before you leave.
- Make a group chat. Include everyone you’re going out with, so you can reach them easily throughout the night.
During the night:
- Decide on a meet up spot. If you do accidentally drift apart having a location to meet back can be helpful.
- Speak up. If you’re feeling unwell or uncomfortable, tell a friend or ask a member of staff for help.
Other General Tips
Try these other tips to help you drink responsibly and stay safe:
- Hydrate: Remember to drink water or other non-alcoholic beverages throughout the night and before bed.
- Try not to mix: Stick to the same or similar drinks to help you feel more in control.
- Keep valuables out of sight: Bring a bag with you and keep your phone and cards safe.
- Trust your gut: If a situation doesn’t feel right, find a way to avoid it or leave.
- Download SafeZone: With SafeZone you’ll have quick access to first aid or report suspicious behavior to notify campus security. If an urgent situation arises, call emergency services.
Make a report via Report It
Everyone deserves to feel safe on campus, at home, and on a night out. If you or someone you know experiences or sees drink spiking, abuse, harassment, or prejudice behavior, please let us know via Report It. We have a team dedicated to supporting you in these situations, with the option to be contacted by an advisor or report anonymously.
