Agenda item

The Forum received valuable insights from Karen Scaife and Christina Schmid regarding the "Ask Angela" initiative and the Safe Taxi Scheme, focusing on enhancing student night-time safety. Their primary objectives included:-

• Active Communication: Engaging with students from the moment they enrol through a dedicated new student website and various Facebook groups for regular updates.
• Confidence and Information: Ensuring students feel confident and informed when going out.
• Access to Support: Making sure students know they could access necessary support. The Safe Zone app was specifically for students and staff, and whilst engagement had been a challenge, more students were recognising its value.
• Third-Party Reporting: Facilitating reporting incidents to the police on behalf of students.
• Collaboration for Safety: Partnering with Robert Gordon University (RGU) and NESCOL to establish protocols for prevention, intervention, and postvention related to suicide.
• Student Representation: Ensuring student representation on forums and working groups to facilitate effective feedback to the university and Students' Union.

During the discussion, concerns were raised about factors that might deter students from visiting licensed premises, particularly regarding safety. Key issues highlighted included:-

• Transportation Challenges: Students, especially those living in areas like Hillhead, faced difficulties getting to and from venues, particularly on nights when public transport was limited, such as Wednesdays when night buses do not operate. This lack of accessible transportation discouraged students from going out.
• Risk of Spiking: There was a need for more preventive measures to address the risk of spiking. Additionally, promoting safe, non-alcoholic experiences in licensed venues could encourage broader participation in social activities.
• Effectiveness of Initiatives: Reports indicated that initiatives like "Ask for Angela" had not always been effective, highlighting the need to  resume confidence in students regarding safety measures in the city. Consistent messaging across venues was crucial, despite the challenges bars may face.
• Taxi Accessibility: Securing taxis remained a persistent issue, contributing to safety concerns for students who may be required to walk long distances home alone. This transportation challenge significantly impacted students' feelings of safety and their willingness to engage in nightlife.
• Night Bus Awareness: There was a lack of awareness among students about the availability of night buses. Increased promotion of these services could help students feel more secure about their transportation options. Currently, night buses operate mainly on weekends, but there was hope for expansion, especially since many students go out on Wednesdays.
• Safety on Weekdays: Concerns were raised about safety on Wednesday nights, particularly regarding gender-based violence and sexual harassment. The safety provisions typically available on weekends may not be in place during the week, raising questions about how to ensure student safety during these busy nights.
• The Safe Zone Apps Functionality:  Clarification was provided to the Forum that the app operated globally; if a student activated the button anywhere, including abroad, it connected them with local emergency services. For example, if a student was in France and pressed the button, it linked them to the French police. Within the city, even if a student was outside the designated Safe Zone, the app would still connect them directly to emergency services, ensuring immediate access to help regardless of location.

The Forum resolved:-

to note the objectives and concerns regarding the "Ask Angela" initiative and the Safe Taxi Scheme.