Students and other young people are being encouraged to enjoy their nights out in Bath without risking their health and wellbeing.
The Council has teamed up with Bath Spa University’s Student Union and the Student Community Partnership to launch the ‘Make it a Night to Remember’ campaign – reminding students that it’s better to have a night out that you can reminisce about – rather than waking up with a head full of ‘what ifs’.
The campaign is one of many initiatives being rolled out by the Council, in partnership with other agencies, as part of its commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of people across Bath and North East Somerset. The aim is to prevent alcohol-related harm, especially that of young people.
The initiative involves specially designed wristbands, similar to the fabric versions used by music festivals, being attached to partygoers’ arms as they queue to get into local club nights. The logo graphics were developed by Bath Spa University design students to appeal to the 18-25 age group.
Emma Weskin, Vice President for Welfare & Campaigns at Bath Spa University, said: “The clever part is that there is a QR (Quick Response) code embedded on the band that links to an alcohol awareness webpage offering helpful hints, not only on cutting down on drinking in the future, but also useful tips on keeping safe.
“People can use the QR code the next day and link to a website which aims to teach but not preach – and provide signposts to where young people can go locally to get confidential help and advice should they need it.”
Drinking too much can place young people at particular risk to accidents, losing their belongings, risky sexual behaviour, assault and longer term harms to health.
Cllr David Dixon (Lib-Dem, Oldfield), Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Bath & North East Somerset Council, with the Student Community Partnership, is encouraging young people to think about how they can still have a good night out without suffering negative consequences.
“We aim to tap into the potential of what’s called the ‘teachable moment’ – the following day when people may be feeling a bit worse for wear and more likely to contemplate changing their behaviour for the good of their health and wellbeing.”
Student volunteers will be out and about on the big student club nights in Bath distributing wristbands and giving out free bottles of water which will also be branded with the campaign’s main messages and the QR code linking to the alcohol awareness webpage www.rememberlastnight.co.uk – which goes live from today.
Jennifer Dean Community Liaison Officer for the Student Community Partnership, added: “Although we know that the majority of students and young people aren’t drinking to excess in Bath and North East Somerset – we hope to encourage those that are to re-think their attitudes to alcohol and perhaps adopt a healthier relationship with it in the future.”
The Student Community Partnership consists of the University of Bath, Bath Spa University, their respective Students’ Unions and Bath & North East Somerset Council.
