As a Students' Union, we want to ensure that all students are safe when out and about in Sheffield, especially at night. Whether you've lost your friends in the club, ran out of money for a taxi or one of your friends has reacted badly to alcohol or drugs, we're here to help and offer advice if you find yourself in a difficult situation that might end up being dangerous.

Alcohol

While at university, a lot of students enjoy going out to bars, clubs and pubs on a night and it's easy to say yes when there are so many student nights and discounts offered by bars and clubs. It's good to get out and have fun with your friends, but it's also important that you know your limits and act responsibly when under the influence of alcohol.

Drinking too much alcohol can easily lead to alcohol poisoning, so it's important that you know the signs. If you think one of your friends might have alcohol poisoning, some of the signs include slurred speech, coordination loss, vomiting, low body temperature and stupor (conscious but responsive). In this situation, some of the things you could do include keeping them awake and sitting up, giving them water, keeping them warm and laying them on their side in the recovery position if they have passed out.

Drugs

The Students' Union and the University do not condone taking drugs as it is never safe, however if you or your friends decide to take drugs, there are a few things you can do to reduce the risks. Things you can do include:

• Telling your friends that you've taken something so that they're aware
• Regularly sipping water
• Not mixing drugs with alcohol and other drugs
• Start with a small amount - you can always take more but you can't take less

For more advice on alcohol and drugs, visit our website at hallamstudentsunion.com/advice/drugsandalcohol

Safe Taxi Scheme

Sheffield Hallam Students' Union and the University has teamed up with City Taxis to create the 'Safe Taxi Scheme' which allows you to use your SHU card as temporary payment if you don't have any cash for a taxi. You can then pay your taxi fare at The HUBS the following day and collect your SHU card.

Ask for Angela

If you're on a night out in Sheffield and are made to feel uneasy by someone to the point where you want to leave, but don't want to let the person know, you can 'Ask for Angela'. Ask for Angela is a campaign that was created to reduce sexual abuse on a night out. The idea is that if you're on a date or out with friends and you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, simply go to the bar and ask a member of staff for 'Angela'. They will then help you call for a taxi or help you to leave discreetly.

For more information on wellbeing and staying safe, visit hallamstudentsunion.com/advice/healthwellbeingsafety