As we enter the festive party season, we know how easy it is to overindulge and drink too much. Drinking not only impacts our health, but it can also impact our behaviour and judgement.
Take a look at some of our tips and advice for a safe party this Christmas.
Tips for a safe night out
There are many ways we can have a safe, enjoyable night out this festive season:
- Watch your drink
Always surround yourself with trusted friends, don’t lose sight of your drinks and know your limits!
Visit the Thames Valley Police page on spiked drinks and date-rape drugs.
Ask for Angela
If you do feel unsafe when you’re out or receiving unwanted attention, you can approach the bar staff in participating late night locations and ask to speak to ‘Angela’. Staff can then provide reassurance and help you get out of that difficult situation.
View participating late night establishments on our crime prevention pages.
2. Staying with friends
Staying with friends and sticking to the UK low risk drinking guidelines this party season are great ways to help you remain aware of your surroundings and keep safe.
3. Getting home safely
Always trust your instincts! Remain aware of your surroundings when travelling home from a night out (PDF, 139 KB). The ‘Get Your Coat’ app has been designed to help you get home safe and sound with built in travel planning and reminders to help you get home safely after your night out.
Don't drink and drive
Think in advance about how you will get home after a night out – don’t forget if you are planning to drive the next morning you may still be over the limit.
It can take hours for alcohol to leave your body and drugs can take a considerable amount of time too, sometimes even days. The best advice is don’t drink or drug drive – it’s not worth the risk. Find out more about the dangers and potential impact of drink or drug driving.
The ‘Get Your Coat’ app has been designed to help you get home safe and sound with built in travel planning and reminders to help you get home safely after your night out.
Be Healthy Bucks lifestyle service
There are lots of benefits for cutting back your alcohol consumption this party season. In the short term, you might have more energy, sleep better, feel better or lose weight. In the long term, you’ll be reducing your risk of cancer, liver disease and heart disease. You could also lower your blood pressure too. For advice and support on reducing your alcohol consumption, visit our free Be Healthy Bucks lifestyle advice service.
For more tips on keeping safe, follow our social media pages:
- Facebook: @BucksCommunitySafety
- X: @Bucks_Safety
- Instagram: @bucks_safety