Safety Hub

STAYING SAFE AT ESSEX

Keeping you safe – it’s our number one priority. Your time at Essex should be (one of) the most fun and exciting times in your life. Something you’re free to enjoy - safely. Which is why we’ve put the below measures in place.

REPORT AN INCIDENT
SAFETY ADVICE
SU NIGHT VENUES

 

SU NIGHT VENUES

We would like to reassure students of our commitment to ensuring everyone can have a safe night out at all of the SU night venues; including Sub Zero and The In-between. To achieve this, we provide the following:

To help make sure everyone in Sub Zero has a great night and in line with our SU values we operate a strict zero tolerance approach to any form of harassment, racism, drug taking, sexual violence, violence, or anything that makes others feel uncomfortable.

It is on all of us to behave. If not, the party’s over for you and we may take further action. If you witness any unacceptable behaviour or ever feel unsafe please speak to any of our security team, email us at subzero@essex.ac.uk or report it here.

On a date and it’s not going well? Or feel unsafe for any reason? Simply come to the bar and ask for ‘Angela’ and our staff will know to help you discreetly, for example by calling a taxi on your behalf.

We recommend staying safe by keeping your drink close and not accepting drinks
from strangers. We also have free anti-spiking drinks toppers at the bar, simply ask to get one.

Stay hydrated and minimise a hangover the following day by grabbing a free glass of water from the bar. You’ll thank us tomorrow!

SU WELFARE ASSISTANTS

Dressed in yellow t-shirts so they’re easy to spot, our Welfare Assistants are here
to help look out for your wellbeing.

first aid trained staff

So that we always have help on hand if needed.

sia registered security team

To keep you safe and help the night run smoothly.

24-HOUR SECURITY TEAM

The University security team are based in the Information Centre on Square 3, or you can call them on 01206 872125.

RANDOM SEARCHES

In order to keep you safe on a night out, we carry out a number of random
searches to make sure no one is bringing anything into sub zero that they
shouldn’t be. To be as transparent as possible, we keep a record of the
searches conducted.

Please help us by playing your part in keeping the Essex student community safe. Stay respectful and considerate of others at all times.

FREE ALARMS

You can collect free panic alarms from SU Reception on Square 3. Free personal alarms are also available from the Information Centre on Square 3. The Suzy Lamplugh Trust provides information on the purpose and use of personal alarms.

DON'T BE A PRICK. SPIKING IS A CRIME.

Spiking isn’t a prank. It’s assault

If someone spikes a drink, a vape, or uses a needle, that’s a criminal offence. Full stop.

If you’ve been spiked, it’s not your fault. Ever.

We’ll take it seriously, and we’ll help you get safe and supported.

What spiking looks like

Spiking can happen in different ways.

  • Drink spiking – when alcohol or drugs are added to a drink without someone knowing.
  • Needle spiking – when someone injects drugs directly into the body using a needle.
  • Date rape drugs – substances like GHB, Rohypnol or Ketamine, sometimes used to incapacitate someone.
  • Food, vape or smoke spiking – rarer, but still possible; if something feels off, trust your gut.

If it doesn’t feel right, don’t drink or eat it. Tell staff straight away.

Symptoms to look out for

Spiking can affect people differently, but common signs include:

  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Sudden fatigue or loss of balance
  • Feeling drunker than expected
  • Memory loss or blurred vision
  • Pins and needles, especially with needle spiking

If you or your mate suddenly feel “off”, act fast.

How to help a friend

If you think someone’s been spiked:

  1. Stay with them - don’t let them leave alone.
  2. Tell staff or security immediately - they’re trained to help.
  3. Call 999 if they’re unresponsive or in danger.
  4. Keep the drink (if possible) - it can be tested later.
  5. Help them get medical care and support.

You’re never a burden for speaking up. You might save a life.

What we do in our venues

Your safety is our priority at Sub Zero, SU Bar and Top Bar.

Here’s what’s in place every night:

  • Drink toppers and spiking test kits available from the bar.
  • Trained staff and security who know what to do if spiking is suspected.
  • Ask for Angela – a discreet way to get help if you feel unsafe.
  • Welfare Assistants on hand during big nights out.
  • CCTV and venue patrols for added safety.

If you ever feel uncomfortable, talk to any staff member – we’ll listen, no judgment.

Get Help & Support

You’re not alone, help is available on and off campus.

In an emergency:

đź“ž Call 999

đź“ž University Security (on campus): 01206 872125

Support & Reporting:

Need to report an incident?

You can report an incident here or talk to staff in any SU venue.

REPORT & SUPPORT

Are you ok?

If you experience any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination, report it and get the support you need.

 

REPORT & SUPPORT

 

Reports can be made in two ways;

Reporting to an adviser

Choosing to report in this way will mean your contact details will be sent to a University adviser. They will be in contact with you within 3 days of you making the report to discuss the report and your wellbeing and options. You can also request the University to take action on the report when you submit it. This would mean the report is sent to the appropriate team for investigation (e.g. Student Conduct, University HR etc).

Reporting anonymously

If you choose this option, you will not be contacted following the submission of your report. The University is unable to take action on anonymous reports but the information provided will be used to collate data and inform the University’s proactive and preventative work on tackling sexual violence, harassment, hate crimes and bullying. If you wish to discuss the options, or would like help to submit a report, you are welcome to contact SU Advice and one of our advisers would be happy to discuss this and support you through the process.

Make sure they are ok

CHECK IN. ARE THEY OK?
LISTEN. HOW ARE THEY FEELING?
TAKE ACTION. REPORT IT TOO.

If you witness any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination, there are ways you can help
the targeted person feel less isolated and more confident to report it:

 

REPORT & SUPPORT

 

Together we can put an end to all forms of harassment.

SAFETY ADVICE

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