Planning on partying your way into 2022? Stay safe while you have fun with these top tips.
18 or over and going out with friends to the pubs and clubs? We’ve got some great advice to help keep you safe when you’re out on the town:
1. STICK TOGETHER
Keep an eye on your mates at all times to make sure no-one wanders off or gets left behind. There’s safety in numbers so stick together and look out for one another.
2. TELL SOMEONE WHERE YOU’RE GOING
Before you leave for the night, tell a parent or family member where you plan to go. If your plans change during the evening, drop them a text to keep them updated of your whereabouts.
3. BACKUP CHARGE
Make sure you fully charge your phone before going out. You can also pop your charger or a portable power bank in your pocket or handbag to make sure you have backup charge if your mobile phone goes flat.
4. TAXI, PLEASE
Plan how you will get home when the evening ends. Pre-book a taxi and make sure you have enough money left at the end of the night to pay for it. Some taxi services will allow you to pre-pay or you can tuck your taxi money in a different pocket or purse to keep it separate from your spending money.
5. KNOW YOUR LIMITS
If you plan to drink alcohol, please drink responsibly. Stick to your limits and drink water or pop between alcoholic drinks to pace yourself. Don’t drink on an empty stomach – have a filling meal before you head out for the evening.
6. BE AWARE
Keep an eye on your drinks and never leave them unattended. Use anti-spiking drinks covers if they’re available or take your own along with you. Spiking can cause a range of symptoms, from feeling sleepy and confused to vomiting and loss of balance. If you suspect your drink has been spiked, tell someone immediately and seek medical help. Read more about drink spiking and its effects here.
7. NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE
Don’t ever get behind the wheel when you’ve been drinking and never get in a car with an intoxicated driver. Take a bus, train or order a taxi or Uber to get you where you need to go. Drink-driving kills – it’s never worth it.
8. STAY WARM
Alcohol can trick you into thinking you’re a lot warmer than you actually are, putting you at risk of catching hypothermia so make sure you layer up against the cold weather.
9. REPORT HARRASSMENT
If someone refuses to leave you alone or tries to grope or kiss you against your will, report it to the bar or club’s management and security team. It’s never OK to touch someone against their will and being drunk is no excuse.
10. SWERVE SHOTS
Be careful with drinking games. Drinking so much alcohol in a short space if time can make you very drunk, very fast. When your whole group is knocking back sangria and trying to convince you to join in, it can be difficult to say no but remember that you don’t have to drink anything you don’t want to. It’s OK to pass on the shots and sip slowly on your own drink.
Hidden Strength wishes you all a very happy New Year. We hope you stay safe and have lots of fun with your friends and family.
