Following the recent news stories in the national media involving drink-spiking, Cardiff Met Students’ Union would like to emphasise that the safety and wellbeing of our students is our highest priority.
Statement issued on behalf of Cardiff Met Students’ Union
Following the recent news stories in the national media involving drink-spiking, Cardiff Met Students’ Union would like to emphasise that the safety and wellbeing of our students is our highest priority.
Naomi Wrigley, Cardiff Met Students' Union Vice President - Student Voice, said:
“We would like to reassure you that we are working closely and swiftly with South Wales Police and our affiliated Night Club partners to address the concerns raised and make sure that we are able to keep you safe within our venue and when you are on nights out. We do and will always take any concerns or reports seriously in order to keep you, our students, as safe as we can.”
Fundamentally, the fault lies with those who are committing the act of spiking. It is wrong to blame the victim. If you have been spiked, it is not your fault. It is the responsibility of those who decided to do something illegal.
Make sure your partner has the capacity to say yes. Someone cannot give consent if they are drunk, drugged, asleep or unconscious
We have outlined below some safety measures that we currently operate, and some new safety measures which we will be introducing moving forward.
Anti-Spike Drink Toppers
Spikey anti drink spiking toppers will soon be readily available free of charge within Centro on the Cyncoed Campus and for collection from the SU office on the Llandaff Campus.
Working with our Affiliated Nightclub Partners
We have been working closely with our affiliated night club partners to introduce a range of initiatives to help keep you safe when out, these will include Drink Spike Testing Kits.
Dragon Taxi Safe Taxi Scheme
We have teamed up with Dragon Taxis to ensure safe transport home is always available, even if you don’t have money for a fare home on you. By phoning 029 2033 3333 , quoting ‘Cardiff Metropolitan University Safe Taxi Scheme’, and having a valid student card as proof of ID, a vehicle will be sent to you as a matter of priority between the hours of 10pm and 6am to take you home.
Police Safety Bus
Cardiff Met have once again partnered with South Wales Police to fund the Cardiff Safety Bus. The Cardiff Safety Bus patrols the city centre every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 8:30pm – 4:30am, and will provide help to anyone who needs it. If you require the Police Safety Bus just ask the nearest door staff/bar staff member of any venue, to call it for you!
Searches on Entry
To certain events within the SU we conduct random searches as a condition of entry. We have a zero-tolerance approach to the possession, use or supply of drugs within our venue. Those caught breaking these rules will be banned from the venue and may be reported to the police.
Raising Awareness
We want you to feel safe within our venue and in our affiliated city centre venues at all times, and we want you to feel you can come to us for help if you need it. We want to raise awareness that if you believe you have been spiked or are concerned about a friend, then please tell a member of staff. We do and will always take any concerns or reports seriously in order to keep you, our students, as safe as we can.
Our stance as a Students’ Union has the full support of the University. Professor Cara Aitchison, Cardiff Met Vice Chancellor said: “We hold a zero-tolerance towards this type of behaviour at Cardiff Met and I believe, as the SU, we should be at the forefront of conveying this message to staff and students alike.
“Any student found guilty of spiking a drink will face the most severe sanctions under the Student Disciplinary Procedure, including expulsion.”