Safe Nights Out
Going out and having fun is a huge part of the student experience - we're here to support you in having a great night out, safely. Read on to find out about safety initiatives and top tips.
"Hartpury operates a drug and alcohol harm reduction policy that prioritises the wellbeing of our students and wider community. We, in collaboration with the Students’ Union, are focused on providing students with the knowledge and education to be safe and feel supported. We are committed to providing students with the awareness to make positive lifestyle choices and to provide a safe and healthy learning and living community."​​
​We believe that a harm reduction approach is in the best interests of our student body and reduces barriers to accessing support... A harm reduction approach does not mean that we condone the use of illegal drugs or the misuse of prescription drugs, but we understand that some students may choose to use drugs during their time at university. Rather than simply telling students not to take drugs and hoping for the best, we want to ensure that students have the resources, support and knowledge needed to make informed choices and reduce harm.
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Safe spaces in Gloucester
Butlers (#Bar103) safe zone
We have a great relationship with Butlers in Gloucester. If you need help whilst on a night out, speak to a member of the team and they will help you in any way they can, including:
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Calling you a taxi
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Helping you exit an uncomfortable situation safely
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Getting medical help (e.g. if you have drank too much)
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Finding your friends if you're lost
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Charging your phone
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Testing and support for suspected spiking ​
Gloucestershire Night Safe
Night safe is partnership group set up throughout Gloucestershire to ensure nights out in Gloucester are as safe as possible. Gloucester earned the Purple Flag Accreditation for the 5th year in a row and means that the city provides great customer care, transport around Gloucester and variety of activities. There's a whole range of support services, including the night angels, street pastors, 'red coats' and medic teams.
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Many venues in Gloucester and surrounding areas - including Legends Bar at Hartpury are part of the "Ask For Angela" scheme. If you are feeling unsafe or need to exit out of an uncomfortable situation, you can approach the bar staff and ask for "Angela". They will know what this means and will discretely help you leave the venue and make sure you get home safely.
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Ask for Angela
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If you are concerned about your drug or alcohol use, there is help out there. Find out more here.
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In May 2025, we achieved the SOSUK Drug and Alcohol Impact accreditation!
Led by the SU in collaboration with Hartpury, this programme supported us in fostering lasting positive change by promoting responsible alcohol consumption and shifting the conversation about drugs toward harm reduction. This has enabled us to explore Hartpury students’ drug and alcohol use and design bespoke interventions to identify, educate and reduce harm.
Big Wins from the Programme
1
Alcohol-Free Accommodation
Hartpury introduced alcohol-free accommodation in 2024/2025, with an extended offering in 2025/2026 due to popularity.
2
Wellbeing Drop-Ins
Hatpury Wellbeing team introduced wellbeing drop-ins especially for drug and alcohol related issues, to support students in knowing where to seek safe, non-judgemental support.
3
Safety Initatives
We work closely with local organisations to raise awareness of the safety initiatives in Gloucester via newsletters, campus screens, social media and here on the website.
Let’s have nights out to remember, for the right reasons. What kind of mate are you?
AND FIND OUT HOW TO HELP YOUR FRIENDS ON A NIGHT OUT
