01 Mar #SeeYouSafer campaign helps students enjoy a safer night out in Colchester
One Colchester partnership continues to share its #SeeYouSafer campaign with hundreds of students at academic institutions within the town.
#SeeYouSafer is a significant, multi-partnership campaign aimed at helping people feel safe when enjoying a night out in Colchester. Students at Colchester Institute / University Campus Colchester enjoyed the chance to find out more about the campaign and take home useful merchandise including mobile phone power banks and torch keyrings.
Representatives from #SeeYouSafer visited Colchester Institute / University Campus Colchester on February 22 and 24, engaging students and sharing details on how planning ahead and looking out for friends can help make every night out a night to remember, rather than a night to forget. Key messages of the campaign include learning how small changes can lead to a safer night out, as well as finding out what support is available if things go wrong.
On March 3, the #SeeYouSafer campaign continues with a visit to The Sixth Form College Colchester, located on Colchester’s North Hill, sharing the same safety messages at one of the largest and most successful 16- to 19-year-old providers of general academic sixth form education in the country. This follows #SeeYouSafer’s successful participation at the We Are Rebels fair which took place at University of Essex on February 25.
First launched in December 2021, #SeeYouSafer is an initiative of the One Colchester partnership – a multi-agency group including Colchester Borough Council, and representatives from fire, police, probation, health, education, business, voluntary services and the cultural sector.
Engaging students on site at University of Essex, Colchester Institute / University Campus Colchester and The Sixth Form College Colchester is just one aspect of this multi-pronged campaign. #SeeYouSafer has launched a new website www.seeyousafer.co.uk with help and advice, created partner campaigns such as Every Contact Counts and will be including workshops for local night-time venues as well as drop-ins for those concerned about coming into the town centre and for those wanting to know the signs to look out for regarding any potential issues.
Pam Donnelly, Chair of One Colchester, said: “Colchester is a fantastic place to study, live and socialise, and we want to make sure that students feel they can do that safely.
“It is vital that we reassure people, particularly those less familiar with our town, that Colchester is a safe and fun place to be and that there is help and support on hand should they need it.
“I am pleased the #SeeYouSafer campaign is helping to drive home the message with partners and venues across the borough to give students the reassurance they may need to enjoy a safe night out.”
Maeve Borges, Vice Principal of Student Services and Support at Colchester Institute, said: “At Colchester Institute / University Centre Colchester we are delighted to play a part in promoting the #SeeYouSafer campaign on campus. Our students benefit from the great opportunities which Colchester provides for studying and socialising, but it is also important to know that practical advice and support is available, with the #SeeYouSafer campaign making a vital contribution.”
