At BPP we want our students to be safe when you’re out enjoying yourselves, so we’ve put together a list of tips and resources to help you be social while also staying safe. Having a night out should be a fun and enjoyable situation, and if you are worried about what to do or where to go if you are feeling unsafe, check out the help and support section below.
Tips for Staying Safe on a Night Out:
- Decide how you’re getting home ahead on time and tell someone where you’re going, who you’re meeting and when you expect to return
- Where possible stick with people that you know and trust
- Plan your night so that you stay in busy, well-lit areas
- Travel safely. Stay aware and only use licensed taxis or pre-booked hire cars. On public transport, stay where the people are and trust your instincts
- Only carry what you need, e.g. ID, keys, phone and debit card. Avoid showcasing valuables
- Don’t leave your belongings unattended
- Consider carrying a personal panic alarm, or get a personal safety app for your phone
- You don’t owe anyone your time or attention; it’s not rude to extract yourself from a conversation that you don’t want to be involved in
- Be aware of the risks of drink spiking. Don’t leave drinks unattended and never accept a drink from someone you don't know
Remember, if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe at any time you can call the police on 111, or 999 in an emergency situation. They are there to keep you safe.
If you see or feel something isn’t right:
Keep yourself Safe: Notice when things make you feel uncomfortable and act. If you do feel uncomfortable – leave or distance yourself from the situation you are in- your safety is the most important, and you are always within your rights to leave a situation in which you feel unsafe.
You can Ask for Angela in most clubs / pubs / bars. If you feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened you can discreetly seek help by approaching venue staff and asking them for ‘Angela’. The code-phrase will indicate to staff that you need help and they will look to support and assist you. There is more info here.
Many local councils and independent organisations offer safe spaces on a night out or community outreach workers to support people. This varies from city to city, so it’s worth finding out what is available locally in case you or a friend require assistance on a night out. Uniformed community wardens and police community support officers patrol most cities at night, offering a reassuring visible presence and to provide assistance. Door staff at venues are trained to offer support and assistance in any situation. They should be registered under the Security Industry Authority and wear ID.
Keeping others Safe: Be an active bystander- this means being aware of when someone’s behaviour is inappropriate and challenging it- signalling to the perpetrator that their behaviour is unacceptable. Safely intervening could mean anything from a disapproving look, interrupting or distracting someone, not laughing at a sexist or a violent joke, talking to a friend about their behaviour in a non-confrontational way, or caring for a friend who’s experienced problematic behaviour.
How You Can Intervene Safely:
- Direct action: Call out negative behaviour, tell the person to stop or ask the victim if they are OK. Don’t aggravate the situation - remain calm and state why something has offended you.
- Distract: Indirectly intervene- interrupt, start a conversation with the perpetrator to allow their potential target to move away or have friends intervene. Try distracting or redirecting the situation.
- Delegate: If you don’t feel safe to speak out, get someone else to step in, this could be a staff member at the venue like bar staff or a bouncer.
- Delay: Wait for the situation to pass, then check in. Act later when you have had time to consider.
If you do not feel comfortable doing this directly, get someone to help you- like a friend, a member of staff, or someone in authority. Only intervene when it is safe for you to do so, and if it’s not; intervene later and get help. In an emergency, call 999. If you have concerns about your safety or are a victim of crime, don’t hesitate to reach out- you will be believed, and you will be taken seriously
Help and Support:
- Crime Stoppers has more info and tips for a safe night out here. If you see anything suspicious you can tell Crime Stoppers 100% anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or by going to their Anonymous Online Form
- If you feel you may have been a victim of any crime please visit: www.victimsupport.org.uk who can offer support and practical advice.
- If you suffering from harassment on any train text to 999 and British Transport Police will assist.
- If you use a taxi, make sure it’s licensed. This car will have a council plate on the back and the driver will display ID. In London, text Home to 60835 and a licensed taxi will be despatched
- There are many resources on the BPP Students Association website, with information and support for wellbeing topics on the Safeguarding Page and the Wellbeing Resources page.
- Breaking the Silence has more information, advice, and resources on being an Active Bystander.
- SARI (Stand Against Racism and Inequality) supports victims of any type of hate crime including racist, faith-based, disablist, homophobic, transphobic, age-based or gender-based.
- Tell MAMA is a secure service that allows people to report any form of Anti-Muslim abuse.
- Visit Citizens Advice for more information about harassment, discrimination, and steps to take.
- Galop have support and helplines for anyone in the UK who is LGBT+ and has experienced domestic abuse or hate crime. The Proud Trust have resources for LGBT+ young people, and advice on staying safe.
If you would like to talk to the safeguarding team about anything you have just read, we will listen without judgement and signpost you to support. To contact the Safeguarding team please e-mail us on safeguarding@bpp.com