Anti-Spiking Safety Training is a new campaign calling for change by encouraging all clubs in Manchester to take part in staff training on the topic of spiking.  The campaign aims to help staff acknowledge the signs of spiking and to help prevent worse case scenarios.

‘As a woman, why do we always have to be hyper-aware and go above and beyond to ensure our safety and security?’, says Laura-Louise Maloney, a woman who was spiked in Manchester, in an article published on BBC News.

New YouGov research shows that one in nine women (11%) say they have been a victim of drink spiking. Another 8% say a family member has been spiked, while a further 12% have friends who have had drinks spiked in the past. In total, a third of women have either been spiked themselves or know someone who has.

The GirlsNightIn anti-spiking campaign gained momentum following the rise of spiking reports but the issue is still ongoing. This rise has made many people apprehensive about going out and enjoying their night. Although there have previously been solutions to make individuals feel safer on a night out, for example, creating drink covers, it is still happening and there does not seem to be a solid change in place.

There have been previous events where women have found themselves left on the pavement all alone and unable to speak or move. This campaign encourages the staff to be more aware when a spiking incident happens to stop these tragic events.

It is time to know what you need to do as members of staff in clubs and #StrikeOutSpiking to protect the future of clubbing.

This is a problem that circulates the country, however, the campaign will focus on venues in Greater Manchester. There is a petition for venues and the people around Manchester to sign that is addressed to Andy Burnham, Mayor of Manchester, to make anti-spiking safety training mandatory.

Venues around Manchester can show their support by sharing the campaign logo and hashtag on social media as well as at their venues in hope to implement change for the nightlife community in the city of Manchester. This includes thorough staff training on what to do if someone is spiked and how to notice the signs of spiking which could potentially save someone’s life.

#StrikeOutSpiking will be shared across all social media platforms to encourage people to sign the petition and spread the word.

This campaign affects lots of people as the nightlife scene is highly popular in Manchester and so the importance of enjoyment on a night out is essential to any individual. We should encourage the people of Greater Manchester to know the signs of spiking, for example, feeling ‘out of it’ or drunker than expected, mental confusion, speech difficulties, memory loss and loss of inhibitions.  

Anti-Spiking Safety Training is a campaign that everyone can play a part in, it is something that affects and helps people worldwide. It encourages people to know what to do in a situation that involves spiking and hopefully prevent any serious events from occurring. It’s time to #StrikeOutSpiking.