Not All Heroes Wear Capes

It’s 3am and I’m stood outside the Union of Students Academy bar, in the rain weary eyed and looking like an oddly proportioned Michelin man in my over-sized bright red Drinkaware Crew coat. I’m 5 ft nothing so as you can imagine I look hilarious but where’s the fun if you can’t laugh at yourself occasionally?

You may be wondering why I’m outside the Union at 3am? Well imaginary other half of this conversation, I’m glad you asked! The reason I’m here and not burrito’d in bed is purely for you guys.

I’m part of a scheme by Drinkaware which aims to keep vulnerable individual’s safe, reduce anti-social behaviour and create an environment where everyone feels comfortable. We’re here to ensure that our students have the best night out possible.

A common misconception about Drinkaware Crew is that we’re here to lecture you on what you can and can’t do but that’s not why we’re here, I mean you guys pay enough for that already. What’s that sound? Crippling debt. I (half) joke. But seriously! The last thing we want to do is cramp your style on a well-deserved night out after you’ve been relentlessly “studying” and more-or-less turning up for your 9ams. Go you!

So how do we create a safe space for students? That’s a great question. On a typical night, you can find us floating about in three different venues including our two affiliate nights; Mukky Duck Wednesdays, Milk’d Mondays and at the Union of Students Academy bar. You will often see a pair of us donning our sassy red uniforms as we greet you in the queues and extort conversation out of you by handing out lollipops and bottles of water.

We are always on hand if anyone has any problems during the night;

Not sure how to get home? Lost your friends? Being harassed? In dire need of a special box from Sarry’s?

Whatever it is we’re here to help! We work closely with a lovely team of security, bar staff, street pastors, welcome hero’s and St John’s Ambulance paramedics. We understand that sometimes it can feel daunting approaching what feels like an authority, so we’ve got you covered.

Some of you might have already seen us on a night out but for those who haven’t feel free to pick our brains and say hello, we’re not that scary I promise! Just don’t feed us after midnight.

For any more information about Drinkaware Crew and our role please visit:

https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/about-us/our-campaigns/drinkaware-crew/

Signing off.

Laura Ronan-Toulson