Monday 28-10-2024 - 09:15

Halloween is around the corner! Alongside the scary costumes, pumpkin carving, and trick-or-treating, it’s a time where Bristol showcases some of its best nightlife 🪩

Whether you're planning to head to one of the many late-night events on offer, go to a party or hang with friends. We want you to know Bristol SU has resources to help you have fun, stay safe and look out for mates!  

Since its launch in 2022, Bristol SU has worked with the university to evolve our approach on drug and alcohol safety, focusing on harm reduction rather than zero tolerance. 

As part of this approach, Bristol SU has partnered with Bristol Drugs Project (BDP) to bring ‘The Drop’ right onto campus — an accessible harm reduction resource designed specifically for you. 

What Is ‘The Drop’?

If you’re not familiar, The Drop is a unique service with expert advice, resources, and support to help you and your friends make safer choices on nights out.

We’re bringing 'The Drop' to you this Wednesday, 30th October under the SU Loft pergola at Senate House. The goal is to remove any barriers and make it easy for you to access free re-agent drug testing kits and other safety materials. If you’re planning on heading out this Halloween, these kits allow you to test substances safely before use, helping you make informed decisions. 

The Drop's campus sessions are designed to make harm reduction accessible, with experts ready to provide advice and answer any questions. Lukas, a former Bristol student who now works for BDP, will be there to talk about safer nights out.  

Lukas will be handing out the free drug testing kits and introduce you to other aids like mixology charts, which can help you understand how substances mix. 

Why This Matters?

Bristol has adopted harm reduction as a city-wide approach, and Bristol SU is proud to play a role in making this policy accessible to students. Beyond providing tools, we want to foster an environment where looking out for one another and others is normalised! 
Here’s what you can expect from The Drop: 

• Testing Kits: Free re-agent drug testing kits so you can make safer choices. Testing kits are also available at select locations around the city, like Brunswick Square. 
• Advice from Experts: Ask questions and get feedback from people who understand the complexities of harm reduction. 
• Student Led: Get involved, give feedback, and help shape harm reduction services by sharing your experiences. You can connect with the Student-led Wellbeing Coordinator, Tash, at the event and she would love to hear your feedback on how to improve the service going forward. You can email her at: tash.lowes@bristol.ac.uk 

 A Few Tips for Halloween Night 🎉

If you’re out on Halloween, here are a few tips to make sure your night stays fun: 

• Stick to the Bristol Nights Guidelines: If you're in the city, know where to go if you need help. Some bars, including all Bristol University venues, have drink spiking test kits behind the bar. Please read the Bristol Nights guidance on spiking for more information and support. Brush up on the Bristol Rules: You can check out the 6 Rules here, but always remember, look out for one another, call it out, don’t be a creep and show respect. 
• Start Low, Take it Slow: If you’re trying something new, take it slow and be mindful of how much you’re consuming. You can find more information from the Bristol Drugs Project on their website.  
• Look Out for Your Friends: Halloween should be fun, but it’s good to have a plan in place. If you or a friend isn’t feeling great, there’s no shame in calling it and going home – they'll be plenty more nights on!  If you are struggling at all, you can reach out for additional support from the Wellbeing Services.  
• Plan to Enjoy: Be mindful of your limits and enjoy responsibly 

Keep Up to date with Bristol SU Harm Reduction Updates

We’ll be sharing harm reduction tips and resources on the Bristol SU Instagram throughout the year, so make sure to follow us for progressive advice. We’re also hosting more drop-in events and will keep you updated on those, so you can easily access support when you need it. 

If you have ideas on how to make Bristol’s nightlife safer, we’d love to hear from you! Drop Tash an email to share feedback or get involved with this project. 

Happy Halloween, and stay safe, Bristol 👻