Wakefield Council Launches 'Walk Away' Campaign for Safer Nights Out This Summer

This summer, Wakefield Council is launching a community safety campaign encouraging residents to ‘Walk Away’ from potentially violent situations during nights out. With the arrival of warmer weather and the excitement of England’s World Cup matches starting on 17 June, the goal is to help people stay safe while enjoying their time in pubs and bars.

Campaign Overview

The ‘We Walk Away’ campaign is part of an initiative led by the Wakefield Community Safety Partnership (CSP), which includes various local organisations. Research indicates that a staggering 61% of night-time violence is linked to alcohol consumption. The campaign aims to provide practical advice on how to defuse tense situations before they escalate into violence.

Rebecca Webster, the Cabinet Member for Safer Stronger Communities, highlighted the importance of safety during nights out. She stated, “We want people to enjoy their nights out. But we want everyone to be safe. We know that emotions can be heightened when people have been drinking. Unfortunately, sometimes minor disputes can turn into violence.”

Understanding the Risks

Night-time outings can often lead to misunderstandings, especially when alcohol is involved. Small triggers, like a spilled drink or a rude comment, can escalate quickly. The campaign encourages friends to look out for one another, especially when alcohol may cloud their judgment. By gently persuading friends to step back from a heated moment, they can help prevent a situation from turning violent.

The campaign offers several helpful tips for managing potential conflicts:

• Apologise on behalf of a friend to clear up any misunderstandings.

• Remove friends from the environment to give them a moment to calm down.

• Contact bar staff or call 999 if things start to get out of hand.

Partnerships for Safety

West Yorkshire Police are actively supporting the ‘Walk Away’ initiative. Officers, along with the CSP, will visit local venues to provide de-escalation training for staff in pubs and bars. This training is designed to equip staff with the skills to manage potential conflicts effectively, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their night out without fear of violence.

Additionally, the campaign aligns with other safety initiatives, such as ‘Ask for Angela’, which allows individuals to discreetly seek help if they feel unsafe. There is also a ‘Safe Point’ in Wakefield, which serves as a first point of contact for welfare and medical issues, further enhancing safety during nights out.

Enhanced Policing During Events

Chief Inspector Emma Hooks from Wakefield Police emphasised the importance of collaboration with local businesses in the night-time economy. She mentioned that there will be increased police presence during key dates, particularly when major football matches are being shown in local pubs.

“Major football tournaments can see more people using our bars and pubs, and we will have an enhanced policing presence on dates when we expect venues will be showing home nations matches,” Hooks explained. She urged supporters to enjoy the games responsibly and to avoid confrontations. “As we have sadly seen on too many occasions, the consequences of drink-related violence can be absolutely tragic for victims and lead to other parties involved receiving substantial prison sentences,” she added.

Find out more

The ‘We Walk Away’ campaign is not just about avoiding conflict; it’s also about fostering a community spirit where everyone looks out for one another. Friends are encouraged to be proactive in ensuring their mates get home safely. Community members can also support the initiative by sharing safety tips with their friends and family.

For those interested in learning more about the campaign and finding additional safety resources, the West Yorkshire Police have a dedicated webpage called “Enjoy Summer Safely,” which offers advice on how to navigate the summer months while staying safe.