Staying safe on a night out
A night out with friends is a chance to have a great time and make memories, so don’t let it turn into a night you want to forget. With a few simple precautions and by looking out for each other, you can make sure your night of living it up doesn’t go downhill. Know you’re getting home, know your limits, stick with friends and don’t leave drinks unattended. These are just some things that can #SeeYouSafer
Tips for a safe night out
- Plan ahead – If you can’t arrange a lift with someone you know, book a cab with a licensed taxi company. The potential extra expense is nothing compared to the risks that can come with getting in a car with a drunk driver or walking home alone at night.
- Know your limits – Knowing how much you have had to drink, and how you would normally feel after that many, makes it easier to recognise when something is wrong. Think carefully before accepting drinks from strangers. Go to the bar with them and watch your drink be made if they offer you one and don’t leave your drinks unattended.
- Stick with your friends – Keep an eye out for everyone in your group. It’s good to go out with a group of people who know your drinking habits and behaviours on a night out, as they can easily recognise when something might be off. If one of your friends is in a bad way, get them help by notifying a member of staff, taking them to an SOS bus or calling them an ambulance if necessary.
- Stay alert – Know what is happening around you and keep away from situations you don’t feel comfortable with. Think carefully about whether you should leave a pub, club or party with someone you’ve just met. If you trust them, let your friends know where you are going and who with.
- Charge your phone – Make sure your phone is charged before you head out for the night and keep it safe in your bag or a zipped pocket.
- Stay in well-lit areas – Staying in well-lit and busy areas reduces the vulnerability you face being alone, and it is more likely that these places will have CCTV dotted around. People are less likely to commit a crime in this environment, versus a dark alley or unlit park. Walk home with friends if you can.
Watch the video
Colchester SOS Bus
The SOS Bus is on duty every Friday and Saturday night in Colchester High Street, throughout the year. The bus is a safe haven at the centre of the night-time economy for any vulnerable person or anyone at risk.
Ask for Angela
This national scheme to keep people safe from vulnerable situations by using a codeword, is operating in Colchester. Training has been delivered to venues and other individuals working at night on how to offer appropriate assistance.
Support and Guidance
CARA
Working with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, CARA (Centre for Action on Rape & Abuse) works across the county of Essex and beyond to provide independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs
CrimeStoppers
CrimeStoppers is an independent charity that gives you the power to speak up to stop crime, 100% anonymously. Whoever you are, wherever you live and whatever your concerns, you can get in touch by phone and online, 24/7, 365 days a year
Drinkaware
Drinkaware aims to reduce alcohol-related harm, helping people make better choices about their drinking by providing impartial, evidence-based information, advice and practical resources.
Essex Police
Police Officers have a responsibility to maintain law and order by protecting members of the public and their property, preventing crime, reducing the fear of crime and improving the quality of life for all citizens. On a night out, that involves helping to keep people safe and ensuring everyone is treated with the respect they deserve. If you’ve witnessed or been the victim of crime, you can report it online or call 101.
Next Chapter
Next Chapter provides free and confidential services to support people who are currently experiencing or have previously experienced domestic abuse. With their support, survivors of domestic abuse can reclaim their lives and choose the future they want.
Samaritans
Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. Experts are on hand 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Each day, volunteers respond to around 10,000 calls for help and the Samaritans are there, day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope or who just needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure.
Our work
Each year the Partnership prepares a Strategic Assessment of Crime to assist in revising the Annual Partnership Plan and the community safety priorities for the district.
Find out moreOur Partners
The CSP, part of One Colchester, consists of organisations that are well placed to make a valuable contribution to reducing crime and disorder across Colchester.
Find out moreContact us
The Colchester Community Safety Partnership team aim to respond to your enquiry within 5 working days.
Find out more