Stay safe while clubbing

With the festive season upon us and many people going out to celebrate with friends and family, Hastings and Rother PCT, together with the Youth Service and Pulse, are launching a Safer Pubbing and Clubbing campaign to make sure people stay safe while still having fun.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Dec 2006, 17:40 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 21:34 BST

Workers from the three lead agencies together with voluntary organisations will be at the launch event on Tuesday 19th December at the Horntye Sports Complex to hear the latest information and see the new campaign resources available.

A particular focus of this year's campaign is drink spiking, where alcohol or drugs (illicit or prescription) are added to a drink without the person's knowledge or approval. Drugs or alcohol can be added to any drink including soft drinks, juice, water or alcohol and while drink spiking is rare, it can happen to men as well as women.

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The effects of a spiked drink can vary according to what substance has been used, but can include vomiting, loss of consciousness, poor coordination and balance, slurred speech, muscle spasms and breathing problems. Behaviour can be greatly affected including lowered inhibitions, losing control, being more flirtatious or acting more sexually.

Frances McCarron, Alcohol Strategy Worker for the PCT, said: "There are a number of reasons why people spike drinks including wanting to sexually assault, rape or rob a person. Sometimes the only motivation is to see what effect the drug will have on the person, or to liven up a party.

"To make sure you don't become a victim of drink spiking and stay safe, plan your night out and make sure you know how you're getting home. Don't leave your drink unattended and don't accept drinks from people you don't know or don't trust and don't buy in rounds. If you suspect you have had a spiked drink, tell someone such as a friend or staff at the pub or club you're in, get medical attention immediately and insist on providing urine and blood samples as the drugs don't stay in your system for long."

Anyone who suspects a violent or sexual assault has occurred should contact the police on 999 (even if they have been drinking, even if they are under 18), while anyone who thinks they have had unsafe sex should speak to their GP or pharmacist or contact Ore Clinic on 01424 448410.

Related topics:WorkersHastings