Be Safe | Game Changer

Be Safe is our ongoing Game Changer aiming to raise awareness of safety and the preventative measures that we can all do at University, home, travelling or anywhere to ensure better safety.

Top Tips

Whether you're getting use to a new city, strolling along in your hometown or discovering something new, it's important to Be Safe when walking home - check out our saftey tips below!

Night out, or out at night?

• Plan Ahead. Make sure someone knows where you are going, who you are meeting and when you expect to return. and always plan how you are going to get home again.
• Don’t leave your drink unattended, and if you start to feel unwell seek assistance from venue staff.
• Look out for your mates. Out with friends? look out for each other and consider travelling back together, or “checking in” when you each arrive home safely.
• Feel uncomfortable? All our venues operate a fantastic 'Ask Angela' campaign. Just head to the bar, ask for Angela and we'll do the rest. 

Safety when 'Out and About'

• Avoid chatting on your mobile phone or listening to music on your headphones, as this can distract you from your surroundings or any potential danger signs.

• You may often be laden with books and bags but always try to keep one hand free and walk confidently and purposefully.

• Think about getting a personal safety alarm. Keep it in an easily accessible place and carry it in your hand if you feel at risk.

• If you are out at night, try to stick to busy streets and near other people. Avoid danger spots such as poorly-lit areas, deserted parks, or quiet alleyways and walk facing oncoming traffic to avoid kerb crawlers.

• Ask if there are any areas near your halls that should be avoided. Some short-cuts may be great during the day but have a reputation amongst other students for being unsafe at night.

• If you see someone else in trouble, think twice before trying to help. This may just aggravate the problem and you could end up hurt as well. It may be a lot more helpful to shout for help, call the police or generally make a lot of noise to attract attention.

Travel Safely

• Consider carrying a personal alarm.

• Inform someone that you are on your way.

• Consider how you are getting home before leaving the house. Pre book a local licenced cab so you know it will be coming at the end of your night.

• Only hail a taxi if it has the illuminated taxi sign.

• Sit in the back and avoid giving away personal details.

• Have your fare ready.

• Try and keep the number of a local, licenced firm with you.

• When travelling by public transport, wait in a well-lit, busy area.

• Sit near other people.

• Make sure you can get to your ticket easily.

• Don’t be afraid of moving should someone’s behaviour cause you concern.

• Trust your instinct.

Suzy Lamplugh Trust

Union Angels

'Union Angels' is a group of volunteers there to assist students who have had too much to drink, by helping them find their way home and providing them with coffee, toast and water to help recuperate before heading home.

Cop Shop

We work closely with the Cop Shop Squad to make sure you stay safe when travelling, marking out 'safe routes' to popular locations including Hanley, through painted footprints to guide you to your destination.

Internet Savvy

Make sure that you know exactly what you're sharing, and who you're sharing it with. 
Most social networking sites have simple settings that allow you to have complete control of who sees what. 

Make sure you are cyber streetwise, with these handy principles