Southend BID are thrilled to announce a new Drink Aware ambassador scheme in partnership with The University of Essex (Southend Campus). This project will support all students during Welcome Week (3rd – 9th October 2021), ensuring they enjoy alcohol safely whilst exploring Southend-on-Sea’s local nightlife.
As students experienced unprecedented disruptions to university culture last year, we are expected to see a large number returning to the town this autumn, enjoying our local nightlife during The University of Essex’s Welcome Week. As such, Southend BID want to help ensure these students kickstart their new year as safely as possible, whilst embracing Southend BID bars, restaurants and clubs.
To make this possible, Southend BID have contracted Triple L Training to help bring their Drink Aware scheme to life. As part of the initiative, two ambassadors will be on patrol from 9pm-2am from Sunday 3rd – Saturday 9th October, providing invaluable hands-on support to students and other nightlife customers. These ambassadors will care for anyone who needs assistance having enjoyed local bars and nightclubs; more specifically, they will ensure people receive any necessary medical attention and get home safely, protecting those who appear unwell or vulnerable.
Every Drink Aware ambassador will be trained in first aid and provided with any necessary equipment. Nick Luff, Founder of Triple L Training, says:
“We are very pleased to be involved with Southend BID’s Drink Aware scheme, as a local business we recognise the popularity of Welcome Week and the support these students are likely to need.
Our ambassadors are all passionate and their training is vast; they understand the risks associated with alcohol consumption and how best to support students who find themselves overly-intoxicated. As such, our ambassadors can compassionately and efficiently support those in need, ensuring their nights come to a safe conclusion.”
This scheme has been designed to benefit individuals and businesses alike as Drink Aware will help to prevent alcohol-induced anti-social behaviour from rearing its head within the town. Meanwhile, Southend BID businesses can call the ambassadors directly or contact them via their TownLink radios should they engage with someone requiring assistance; the scheme is highly collaborative.
Southend BID feel that supporting students during Welcome Week is a crucial responsibility. Suzanne Gloyne, BID Manager, says:
“We always welcome new students to Southend with open arms; we’re delighted they would like to be a part of our fantastic community. However, we are aware that Welcome Week can come with frequent drinking and, as restrictions have only recently eased, we understand that some people may be tempted to consume more alcohol than usual amid all of the excitement. At Southend BID, we felt that supporting students and addressing this issue was a top priority, in order to keep the entire community safe.
Our goal is to encourage a healthy and sensible enjoyment of Welcome Week, thus supporting Southend’s night-time economy, students and wider community. This should be a fun, harmless, safe time – with trained ambassadors on the ground who can support and guide students, that will be achieved.”
Meanwhile, Kirsty Matthew, Students’ Union Manager (Southend), says:
“We are really pleased that Southend BID are partnering with us to support our students during Welcome Week. We work had to support our students in having a safe, enjoyable welcome to the area and the Drink Aware ambassadors provided by Southend BID will really help us achieve this.”
The Southend BID zone has a Purple Flag award for a safe and diverse night-time economy. For more information on the Purple Flag award head to www.atcm.org/purple-flag and for more information about Southend BID visit www.southendbid.com.