We want everyone to enjoy their time off over the Christmas holiday, regardless of whether you celebrate Christmas or not. It’s time off from college and you get to hopefully relax, catch up with friends and have some fun!
But we want to make sure that you do this in the safest possible way.
Stay safe at Christmas: new video resources from Peerscroller
Peerscroller packs essential real-world knowledge into bite-sized videos, all delivered by real peers near your age who’ve been there too.
It looks and feels like social media, but all our videos are made and fact-checked by Yipiyap to tackle topics from relationships and revision lifehacks to career tips and financial literacy.
As part of our ‘Keeping Safe at Christmas’ campaign, we’ve prepared a selection of festive-themed videos to help you make the most of the season. From handling the highs and lows of relationships to looking after yourself during all those holiday gatherings, our content is here to keep you feeling your best, no matter what this season throws your way.
Keeping Safe at Christmas — Peerscroller
Tips to help you during the festivities
Here are some tips to stay safe during the festive break:
- Make sure your phone is charged and your Bluetooth on so you can be located in an emergency.
- Always use a trusted taxi company instead of hailing one and ensure the details match the one you get into.
- Budget for Christmas. It can be a real financial burden if you spend too much. Be wary of competitions, deals and fake products.
- Don’t leave drinks unattended, learn your limits.
- ‘Talk to Frank’ for information and advice on drugs and alcohol which may be affecting you or others. Call 0300123 6600.
- Report crime anonymously on 101 or Fearless. If you find yourself in immediate danger, call 999.
Ask for Angela
If you’re out this festive season and someone makes you uncomfortable, Ask for Angela.
Bar and restaurant staff will know that you need help getting out of the situation and will call you a taxi or help you leave discreetly, without fuss.
Staying healthy at Christmas
Here are some tips to stay healthy during the festive break:
- Make the most of the festive break to get some downtime, to relax and sleep. Don’t make plans for everyday, it’s okay to do nothing some days!
- You don’t need to be stuck in the house. Take walks, get some exercise but also find the time to rest. Maybe try some mindfulness activities?
- If you feel low and are having negative feelings, remember it will pass, but there’s always someone to talk to. Call the Samaritans on 116 123.
- Carry a condom. This is the only way to protect yourself from STIs and unwanted pregnancy.
- Worried about the basics like food, money, or heating?
- Remember to be mindful of scams at this time of year. Never give out your personal bank details or information and report anything you think is suspicious.
Thinking about using alcohol or drugs?
Most young people do not use illegal substances, and it is important you know the law and risks of using drugs and alcohol.
If you do choose to use alcohol or illegal drugs:
- Pace yourself and go slow.
- Tolerance levels change and with illegal drugs, you never know what’s in them, their strength or purity.
- Alternate alcohol with soft drinks or water and stick to lower alcohol percentage drinks.
- Do not leave drinks unattended or accept a drink from someone you don’t know. It may have been spiked.
- Avoid mixing drugs and alcohol together and do not mix these with prescription medicines.
- Never drive whilst under the influence or get into a car where the driver has used drugs or alcohol.
- Keep safe and aware of your surroundings. Make sure you have someone you can trust and rely on, if you or a friend need help.
- Call 999 if you or someone else needs immediate help.
If you’re worried about drinking too much alcohol or illegal drug use, do reach out for help.
Deciding whether to have sex?
- Make sure you practise safe sex. Use a condom to protect against sexually transmitted infections or unwanted pregnancy.
- It’s important that any sexual activity you have is consensual, meaning both agree, feel happy and comfortable with it.
- Do not feel pressured to do something you don’t want to do. Remember, you have the right to change your mind and say “no” or “stop” at any point.
- If the sex you had wasn’t consensual, seek help from the Police or a Sexual Assault Referral Centre.
Feeling low or lonely?
The break from college can feel exciting for most people, but for some, they may feel worried about being at home and away from their friends and support networks.
Top tips that may help:
- Keep up a good routine. Try to get up at a reasonable time each day, shower and get dressed.
- Get planning: Plan your days or weeks to have something to look forward to or focus on.
- Practise self-care: Go for walks outside, explore a new area, learn a new hobby or volunteer.
- Stay connected with friends and suggest meeting up during the holidays. They may be feeling the same as you.
If you’re in need of someone to talk to, go to www.samaritans.org.
Wanting to stay connected with others online?
If you’re communicating with others online:
- Try not to advertise when you’re away on holiday or home alone on social media.
- Report, block and screenshot any inappropriate content.
- Seek support if someone is harassing or threatening you.
- Only use trusted and reputable sources of information and only communicate with people you know.
Worried about any of these topics?
If you’re worried about any of these topics:
- Speak to a trusted adult such as a parent, carer or advice service.
- Speak to Activate Learning’s Safeguarding Team when we return to college in January. Email safe@activatelearning.ac.uk
- For drug and alcohol information and support: www.talktofrank.com
- For online safety advice: www.childnet.com/young-people/11-18-year-olds
- For mental health support: www.samaritans.org or call 116 123 for free
- For support following sexual assault: www.rapecrisis.org.uk or call 0808 500 2222 for free.
We look forward to welcoming you back to college on Wednesday 8 January 2025 for the new term, when your normal college timetable will resume.
We’d like to remind students to stay vigilant and safe and we hope you have a restful break and a lovely Christmas. The last day of face-to-face learning on campus will be on Friday 20 December.
Be sure to share your festive pictures via #ChristmasatAL on social media!
Merry Christmas,
Activate Learning
