We've teamed up with a national charity to help keep students safe on nights out and raise awareness of excessive drinking.
De Montfort Students’ Union (DSU) has partnered up with a national charity to help keep students safe on nights out and raise awareness of excessive drinking.
Drinkaware is an alcohol education charity who have partnered up with Leicestershire Police to launch a new scheme – the Drinkaware Crew – that aims to keep young people safe on nights out.
The scheme sees students and staff from the students’ union’s own venue trained to support students and spot the signs of excessive drinking on nights out.
Jessica Okwuonu, VP Welfare and Community at DSU, oversees the scheme and has trained as a member of the Drinkaware Crew herself.
She said: “I believe that it is important we tackle the perceived ‘drinking culture’ and help students understand you don’t have to drink to have fun on a night out.
“Having a Drinkaware Crew at DSU is a big win for not just students on campus, but for improving the already strong relationship we have with our local community.
“I really hope students will notice a change in atmosphere, knowing that there is a dedicated team of people on hand to support them on nights out.
“It’s great to be working closely with the university’s security team and Leicestershire Police on this, and I’m sure people will notice the positive effects of this unique scheme in no time.”
The Drinkaware Crew scheme already operates in 12 cities across the UK, and staff are easily identifiable and present throughout the night.
Elaine Hindal, Drinkaware Chief Executive, explained: “Drinkaware has been working closely with our partners in Leicester to bring Drinkaware Crew to the city.
“Drinkaware is committed to finding new and innovative ways of reducing the harms caused by alcohol and of helping to keep people safe on a night out, and we are delighted that [both] the University of Leicester Students’ Union and De Montfort Students’ Union are going to be running Drinkaware Crew.
“Building on its success in other parts of the UK, Drinkaware Crew in Leicester will carry out a vital role in supporting vulnerable people whilst minimising the impact that drunken behaviour can have on the local night-time economy.”
The Drinkaware Crew scheme at De Montfort University (DMU) is funded by Leicestershire Police and De Montfort Students' Union through 2017/18.
Jess is trained up as a member of the Drinkaware Crew – easily identifiable throughout the night.
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