On 6 November, CAP was proud to support the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network’s impactful “Sip Safer” event, created to help Blackpool and Fylde College students understand, prevent, and respond to drink spiking.

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Hosted at the Blackpool University Campus, the event transformed an ordinary day into a powerful learning experience, one that mixed innovation, empathy, and practical safety skills.

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Students stepped into an immersive silent disco, where personal headphones guided them through eye-opening stories, safety tips, and interactive challenges. Equipped with beer goggles to simulate what it feels like to be drunk, participants experienced just how quickly and easily vulnerability can occur, and most importantly, how to stay safe.

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Throughout the session, students explored:

• What spiking really is—beyond just drinks

• How spiking affects victims and perpetrators

• How to spot, prevent, and respond to spiking

• Why open, shame-free conversations are essential

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This unique format sparked honest discussions, raised awareness, and encouraged students to look out for one another.

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I spent the day speaking directly with students about alcohol use, safety, and ways to protect themselves on nights out. Every student received their own "Spikey", a simple but effective tool to help keep drinks protected and learned how to use it confidently.

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It was great to speak to so many students about their experiences and to demonstrate how to use "spikeys" on a night out, whether they are drinking alcohol or not. The students were so enthusiastic about looking out for each other and were keen to experience more events like this in the future, which CAP would love to support in Blackpool.

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The event brought together a fantastic group of partners, including Lancashire Trading Standards, Lancashire Victim Services, Lancashire Police, ED Navigators, and Green Dot, all offering guidance, support, and resources. Students had the chance to gather safety tips, learn where to get help, and, of course, pick up some useful freebies.

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Chief Inspector Gemma Barr, Operational Lead for the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network, highlighted the importance of this proactive work: “Fortunately, we don’t have many confirmed spiking cases in Lancashire, but we always encourage anyone with concerns to report them. Even one incident is one too many. By working closely with our young people and partners, we want to make sure everyone feels safe and supported. Events like this help start those conversations and give students the confidence to look out for one another.”

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The enthusiasm from students was clear, they want more events like this, more conversations, and more opportunities to learn how to keep themselves and their friends safe. CAP is excited to continue supporting this vital work in Blackpool and beyond.

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By creating engaging, stigma-free spaces for students to learn, “Sip Safer” is helping build a culture of awareness, confidence, and community safety.

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