New partnership approach to help people get home safely at night

Cardiff Community Alcohol Partnership, led by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, has joined forces with Transport for Wales and British Transport Police to promote getting home safely at night.   

Over the festive period many of us will have enjoyed a night out celebrating, but drinking too much alcohol can put people at increased vulnerability, as well as affect their health.   

Cardiff Community Alcohol Partnership works with local organisations to reduce the harm from alcohol to our 18 to 25-year-olds and have designed new electronic screens promoting key safety messages in Cardiff Central Station. 

Lauren Idowu, Principal Health Promotion Specialist at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and chair of Cardiff CAP, said: “We are delighted to work in partnership with Transport for Wales and British Transport Police on such an important message.  

“Cardiff is a vibrant and exciting city with a varied nightlife scene. While we want people to enjoy everything the Welsh capital has to offer, we also want to ensure they get home safely. 

“We encourage people to plan how they will get home ahead of their night out, such as looking at train times and speaking to friends about who they’ll walk home with. Simple things such as charging your phone, sticking to safer drinking guidelines and never leaving drinks unattended all reduce the risk of harm.” 

Transport for Wales Safety, Sustainability and Risk Director Leyton Powell said: “It’s been great to see so many people coming out to celebrate the Christmas and New Year period and choosing public transport to get home. 

“This year again we’ve been working closely with our partners in the British Transport Police and our security teams, with an enhanced presence at some of our busiest stations. 

“This work will continue throughout January and into February and March, when tens of thousands of rugby fans head to Cardiff for the Six Nations. 

“We hope everyone enjoys themselves, but we are reminding our customers to behave safely and respect other passengers and our colleagues at all times.” 

Whilst this project works with the younger adults, with the new year, many of us may be rethinking our habits around drinking and considering taking a break or cutting down. 

It’s safest to drink no more than 14 units over a week for both men and women and to have several alcohol-free days.   

For more information and support around drinking please go here and for further information on safety initiatives for students please go here.