Bath College student Samuel Maggs recently spoke at Prior Park College’s Sixth Form Assembly, highlighting the dangers of walking alone at night in Bath and encouraging teenagers to walk with friends.
Sam is the manager of Got Ya Back, a campaign founded by Bath College students in the wake of the untimely, accidental death of fellow student, Sam Amin, who drowned in the River Avon in 2014.
Samuel was quick to point out to Prior students that the campaign was not intended to act as a killjoy, students should go out and have fun, but they should do it safely, with a plan in place.
This means PLAN – your way home; TELL – a friend or family your plans; CHECK – if your friends are okay; REMEMBER – to have an ICE (in case of emergency) contact.
The Got Ya Back campaign’s tips for a safe night out also include making sure you plan your travel home; if driving back, then have a designated driver; have your phone fully charged when going out; make use of public transport and taxis.
Prior Park College Headmaster, James Murphy-O’Connor said: “There is no more powerful way to get an important message like this across to our senior students than by having one of their older peers, with firsthand experience, speak to them.
“As a Headmaster, and as a parent, I am grateful to Samuel and the other members of the Got Ya Back campaign, for using their time and experience in this way.
“They are giving back to their community in a compassionate, proactive way, and we will all be the better off for it.”
More information can be found on the campaign’s website: GotYaBack.org.
