Your
Safety
As you begin to venture out and explore the wider world—heading into Bath or Bristol for gigs, events, or parties—it’s important to stay safe while still enjoying everything life has to offer.
This guide is packed with detailed tips, helpful resources, and examples to help you navigate your independence confidently and securely.
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Know the Risks: Awareness Is Key
Understanding the risks involved with socialising and going out is crucial. Here's a closer look at some common dangers:
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Drink Spiking: This is a serious risk in some social settings. In 2019, a report from the UK Home Office found that around 15% of young people have experienced or witnessed drink spiking. Always watch your drink and never accept one from someone you don't trust. If you suspect your drink has been spiked, stop drinking it, tell a trusted friend or member of staff, and seek medical help immediately.
Tip: In venues like clubs or bars, look for the "Angela" code (explained below). It’s a discreet way to ask for help in case you feel unsafe due to drink spiking or unwanted attention.
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Substance Abuse: The temptation of peer pressure can be overwhelming at times. But substances, whether alcohol, recreational drugs, or prescription meds, can impair your judgment and make you more vulnerable to risks. For instance, a study by Drinkaware found that teenagers who binge drink are at higher risk for accidents, unwanted sexual advances, and dangerous situations.
Tip: Stick to your limits and avoid situations where drugs or alcohol are being passed around if you feel uncomfortable. If someone offers you substances, it’s okay to say no, and a good friend will understand and respect your decision.
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Personal Safety: In unfamiliar settings, it can be easy to get disoriented, especially at night. Cases of teens getting lost after events are common in cities like Bath and Bristol. Always know how to get home and ensure your phone is charged.
Example: In 2020, a teenager in Bristol became separated from their group after a night out, but luckily a nearby pub staff helped them get in touch with their friends. Had they not taken steps like sharing their plans beforehand, it could have ended much differently.
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Stay in Control: Tips for Staying Safe
Staying in control of your situation, whether you're going to a gig in Bristol or a party in Bath, can help reduce risks. Here’s how:
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Plan Your Journey: Before you head out, always tell a trusted adult or friend where you’re going, how you’re getting there, and when you expect to return. Share your travel plans and even your location if necessary.
Tip: Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time public transport updates or to find the safest routes home.
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Stick Together: Safety is stronger in numbers. Whether it's attending a gig or going to a party, stay with your group as much as possible. If you must part ways, make a plan to reunite later.
Example: In 2018, a group of teens attending a festival in Bath managed to help each other when one of them was targeted by a pickpocket. By staying together and communicating openly, they ensured everyone was safe and prevented the theft.
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Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, don’t hesitate to leave. Whether it’s a party with unsafe people or a situation that feels uncomfortable, your gut feeling is often the best indicator.
Tip: Download a safety app like bSafe that lets friends or family track your location and provides an emergency alert button you can use if needed.
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What to Do If You Feel Unsafe: Support Resources
If things don’t go according to plan and you feel unsafe, here are some resources that can help you:
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'Angela' Code: If you're ever in a club, bar, or party and feel unsafe or uncomfortable, you can discreetly ask the staff for “Angela.” This lets them know you need help, whether you’re worried about drink spiking, someone harassing you, or another situation. The staff will then ensure you're protected and help you leave safely.
Case Study: In 2017, a young woman in Bristol used the "Angela" code after realising she was at a party where people were becoming too aggressive towards her. The staff escorted her out of the situation, and she was able to get home safely without anyone realising she had asked for help.
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Trusted Contacts: Ensure you have a list of trusted contacts saved in your phone. These should include family members, close friends, and even emergency numbers like taxis or local services.
Tip: Some phones have an emergency “SOS” feature that lets you alert contacts with your location at the press of a button. Check your settings ahead of time.
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Emergency Services: If you are in immediate danger, always call 999. If the situation isn’t as urgent but you still need help or advice, you can call 101.
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Staying Safe Around Alcohol and Drugs
Drinking alcohol or using substances may be part of the social scene, but it’s important to stay aware of the risks involved.
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Know Your Limits: Never feel pressured to drink more than you're comfortable with. Even in a lively atmosphere, it’s okay to stop and stick with water or non-alcoholic drinks.
Tip: Drinkaware suggests having a non-drinking buddy or taking turns being the designated driver, even if you're traveling by public transport. Having a friend who stays sober means there’s someone alert and ready to step in if things go wrong.
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Avoid Peer Pressure: Peer pressure is real, but don’t feel compelled to do anything you’re uncomfortable with. A good friend will always respect your boundaries.
Example: A case in Bristol last year showed how a teenager was pressured into drinking more than they wanted at a house party, resulting in an unsafe situation later in the night. The teen later spoke about how important it was to have a supportive friend who told them they didn’t have to keep up with others.
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Stay With Your Drink: Never leave your drink unattended. Studies by organisations like Drinkaware show that drink spiking is a common tactic for perpetrators looking to take advantage of vulnerable people.
Tip: If you lose sight of your drink or think it’s been tampered with, don’t drink it. Seek help immediately.
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What to Do If You Feel Uncomfortable
No one should make you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. If you ever find yourself in a situation that feels wrong, here’s how to handle it:
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Speak Up: If someone makes you uncomfortable or crosses your personal boundaries, don’t hesitate to speak up. If it's hard to confront them directly, just leave the situation and seek support from a friend or staff member.
Case Study: At a music festival in Bath, a young woman spoke up when she felt a man was invading her space. Staff immediately intervened and helped her get to a safe area. Her action empowered others to do the same when they felt uncomfortable.
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Know the Signs of Exploitation: If you’re being manipulated or coerced, whether by friends or strangers, it’s important to get out. Call a friend, a family member, or an authority figure to help you.
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You Have a Right to Leave: Remember, you always have the right to leave any situation, whether it’s a party or a night out. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t feel guilty about leaving.
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Staying Safe with Technology
In today’s digital world, it’s easy to stay connected, but tech also brings risks.
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Be Mindful of What You Share: When using social media or apps, avoid sharing personal details that can be used against you. For example, posting your exact location or future plans could make you a target.
Tip: Review the privacy settings of your social media profiles and ensure only trusted people can see your posts and check-ins.
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Don’t Engage in Online Conflict: If someone online is being aggressive, disrespectful, or making you feel uncomfortable, block them immediately. Most social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, allow you to report harmful behaviour.
Example: A teenager in Wiltshire recently faced online harassment. They took action by blocking the individual and reporting the harassment to the platform. The situation was dealt with quickly by the authorities, showing the importance of online safety.
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Remember: You’re Not Alone
There are plenty of support services available if you ever feel in need of advice, help, or just someone to talk to. Whether you’re dealing with an emergency or need emotional support, don’t hesitate to reach out.
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Samaritans: For mental health support, you can contact the Samaritans at 116 123. It’s available 24/7, and they’re always there to listen.
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Childline: If you’re under 18, Childline provides free, confidential support. Reach them at 0800 1111 if you ever need to talk or need guidance on anything that’s troubling you.
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Don’t Leave Each Other Alone: Stay Together
One of the most important things you can do when heading out is to stick together as a group. The more eyes and ears you have around you, the safer you’ll be. There are several reasons why it’s crucial to stay with your friends, and here’s why:
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Safety in Numbers: When you’re out in a busy place like a gig, club, or party, there’s strength in numbers. Being with friends means you have someone to watch your back if something feels off, and you can support each other in tricky situations. There’s also less chance of being targeted by someone with bad intentions if you’re not alone.
Example: A group of teens from Bristol once attended a concert together. When one friend began feeling faint after accidentally ingesting something, the group noticed immediately and helped her to the nearest bar staff. The team at the venue was able to assist her and ensure she got the medical attention she needed quickly. If she had been alone, it could have been more difficult to spot the problem in time.
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Keeping Track of Each Other: It’s easy to lose track of people in a crowded venue, especially if you’re having a good time. However, it’s essential that no one gets left behind. If you find yourself separated, make sure you have a plan to reconnect. Set a meeting point ahead of time—somewhere easy to spot, like by the entrance or next to a specific landmark.
Tip: Make sure everyone has a charged phone, and don’t rely solely on social media check-ins to find each other. A text or quick call can be more reliable.
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Looking Out for Each Other: If someone feels uncomfortable, drunk, or unwell, it’s important to check in on them. Not only does staying together prevent people from feeling isolated, but it also means you can keep an eye out for any risky behavior.
Example: A young woman in Bath attended a party where a friend began feeling unwell after drinking too much. She didn’t leave her friend behind and instead helped her get a cab home safely. This simple act ensured her friend avoided potentially dangerous situations, such as wandering the streets alone or falling into a more serious state of intoxication.
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What to Do If You Can’t Find Your Friends: If you do get separated, don’t panic. Try calling or texting them, and head to your pre-arranged meeting spot. If you're still struggling, alert security staff or the venue personnel so they can help. They are trained to assist in these situations and can help reunite you with your group.
Case Study: A group of teens in Bristol went to a local club, and one of them got separated. The venue staff assisted by paging the missing person’s name over the loudspeaker, which helped the group reconnect quickly and safely.
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If You Have to Go Home Early: If someone in your group needs to leave the venue early, ensure that they don’t leave on their own. Either go with them or make sure they get home safely through a trusted transport method. It's always a good idea to have the phone number of a local TRUSTED taxi service or a trusted ride-share app available.