Liverpool Student Union has launched its first Student Safety Week, with events across various university campuses and social media activities planned.
On Monday, union representatives were at Liverpool John Moores Byrom Street campus offering safety hints and tips to students. The SU team will be visiting the LJMU campus on Tithebarn Street on Tuesday, before heading to Redmonds on Wednesday, IM Marsh on Thursday and then returning to Byrom Street on Friday.
The SU is also promoting two other initiatives which aim to discourage people from drinking too much alcohol. The Royal Life Saving Society’s ‘Don’t Drink and Drown’ campaign and Liverpool City Council’s ‘Drink Less Enjoy More’ were both launched in the past week.
Lorraine Sebastian-Francois, President of Liverpool Student Union, said: “Alongside this, we have our own social media planned, giving students tips and advice on staying safe in the city, in conjunction with our citywide stakeholders.
“We’ll also be promoting tips around student safety in the city, while promoting the fact that Liverpool is one of the safest cities in the UK to live and study in.”
Over the weekend purple flags were flown from the Town Hall, Chavasse Park and a number of bars and restaurants as part of the Purple Flag programme, which celebrates Liverpool’s status as a safe and well managed city.
Despite being recognised as one of the safer cities in the United Kingdom, Liverpool attracts thousands of students each year who continue to be vulnerable to burglaries and violence. Although the initiative only lasts a week, the Liverpool SU team will be on hand throughout the year to offer their support.
Lorraine added: “Outside of the Student Safety Week we do a lot in terms of student safety. Aisling Davis, our Vice President Community Engagement officer, meets regularly with Student Advice and Wellbeing and other agencies in the city to speak about student safety.
“We also have the Interactive Safety House on campus during the week and will be speaking to students ensuring they’re keeping their home safe.”
In addition to this the SU is relaunching its Hate Crime Support Service, where support will be given to victims and witnesses to hate crime alike.