Safeguarding
Staying safe whilst having fun in the city centre.
Tips for Staying safe
Here are a few suggestions for things to consider to ensure you remain safe during your night out in Bradford City Centre.
We’re here to help you – but you’ll have a better night out if you don’t need us!
- Never leave your drink unattended – always finish it or leave it with a trusted friend
- If you accept a drink from someone, always pick a bottle and make sure it is opened in front of you
- Never drink leftover drinks or drinks discarded by someone else
- If you begin to feel drunk after only a drink or two, seek help from a trusted friend or a responsible member of the club staff and management
- Don’t leave glass or bottles outside – they are often used in fights
- When you go out on a date, make sure someone knows who you are meeting and where you are meeting them
- Have an exit plan – if you feel like you want to leave the date, get a friend to call you on your mobile to give you an excuse to get away
- Don’t risk going home with a stranger
- If you do have sex, don’t take unnecessary risks – always carry a condom and use it
- Check that your taxi home is licenced (licence plates should relate to that make and model of car) – better still book one in advance, or go to a taxi rank
- Know the name of the taxi company you have ordered the taxi from
- Do not accept lifts from strangers or unlicensed taxis
- Avoid walking home alone
- Stay aware and trust your instincts – keep away from situations that you don’t feel comfortable with.
- Leave your car at home – never drink and drive
- Keep your taxi fare separate so you don’t spend it on drinks
- Carry photo ID – you’ll need it if you look under 25
- Make sure your mobile phone is charged and that you have taxi numbers stored in your phone’s memory
- Never leave handbags, mobile phones or valuables unattended
- Watch out for your friends, and make sure they watch out for you
- Walk away from trouble – fights ruin everyone’s night and you could be seriously hurt
- Know your limits – don’t be pressured into drinking too much. You are less likely to be alert and spot something suspicious when you have had too much to drink
- Eat before starting to drink alcohol
- Use non-alcoholic drinks before alcohol to quench your thirst
Ask for Angela
Bradford has adopted the national ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign which is designed to help reduce sexual abuse on nights out.
Anyone out on a date or a night out who feels unsafe, vulnerable or threatened can discreetly seek help by approaching venue staff and asking them for ‘Angela’.
This will indicate they need help and a member of staff will try to support and assist them.
Staying safe as a student
If you’re a student and you feel threatened in Bradford City Centre, go to one of the pubs, clubs, shops or other businesses designated a student safe spot, as shown by the sticker displayed in their window. There you could wait for the problem to pass, ask for a taxi to be called to take you home or get other help from the business or police to keep you safe.
Below are some details that might come in handy
Emergency Services
NHS Emergencies: 999
NHS Non-Emergency: 111
Police Emergency: 999
Police Non-Emergency: 101
Support for homeless
- If you’re worried about where you are going to sleep tonight, speak to someone from the Bradford Council.
- If its out of hours please call them on 01274 435999
Support for Domestic Abuse, Rape or Relationship problems
Get support from Bradford District domestic abuse and sexual violence information
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Support
- You can call the Samaritans any time, day or night on 116 123 or email a Samaritan using jo@samaritans.org.uk
- You can phone the West Yorkshire 24-hour mental health helpline, free, on 0800 183 0558
Support for Addiction
New Directions is a free and confidential drug and alcohol recovery service for adults (including offenders), families and concerned others in Bradford.
Support for financial difficulties
Get some advice on your finances through the Bradford Council and partners.