Tips for a night out
Stay together and look out for each other
Losing your mates can be a stressful experience. Decide a meeting point and make a pact that you will all meet back there if you notice someone isn’t with you. Create a group chat and using the maps function, ‘drop a pin’ at your meeting point so it is easy for everyone to walk back there.
Remember things might have changed since the last time you were out. You might be feeling a little anxious so take a look at the YoungMinds website for some additional support.
Know what to do if a mate is unconscious or having difficulty breathing
If this happens, call for an ambulance immediately and put them in the recovery position. Stay with them until the ambulance arrives. If you know what drugs they’ve taken, tell the ambulance crew. It’ll make sure they get the right treatment faster.
Putting someone in the recovery position helps them breathe more easily. It also makes sure they don’t choke on their own vomit or swallow their own tongue (yes, really) whilst unconscious. It can help save their life. If they’ve taken a heavy blow to the head or back, don’t put them in the recovery position. Leave them as they are until the ambulance arrives.
Here's a quick guide to the recovery position. If you don’t remember it in the heat of the moment, and nobody else is around to help, get them onto their side. Even this can make a real difference.
Have a plan for the end of the night
At some point, the party's going to end and you’re going to want to head home. Create a plan for the end of the night before you've even left to make sure you get back safely. If your plans change, share these with your mates so that everyone is aware. Then you can make sure you don't leave anyone behind. Drop each other a message when you get home so you know everyone got back safely.
If you’re getting public transport, don't forget things like money and face coverings. Be mindful that substances may still be in your system the next day. Don’t risk driving as you may be stopped and tested.
Charge your phone before you go out
We all know that feeling when you see the dreaded ‘battery low’ notification pop up on our screens. It’s not just about losing mates and trying to find them again; you might need it to help you get home or call for help.
You might be feeling your best self and take loads of photos for the ‘Gram’ but this will drain your battery faster. Try and split the selfies between everyone’s phones so you all have some charge leftover.
Closing down unused apps and turning down the screen brightness can also help your battery life. Now might also be a really good time to invest in a power bank – treat yo’self.
Share your location
Apps like Whatsapp, Find my Friends, or Snapchat allow you to share your location. Spend a little bit of time before going out to make sure that you know how to do this. This could be useful to share with friends that you are out with and people that you trust. It can help you find your mates if anyone gets lost but it could also save a life.
If you find yourself or someone else needing medical assistance, then you can state exactly where you are to the emergency services.
Don’t mix
Whilst not using substances is the best way to avoid harm if you do choose to use something, avoid mixing.
You’re more likely to risk mixing if you’re already feeling the buzz. But, mixing drugs (including alcohol) can increase the risk of nasty effects on both your physical and mental health. Look out for your mates too so they’re not making decisions they might regret. Remember, you can never be sure of what you are taking or how it might affect you so start low and go slow.
