Free online training to raise awareness of drinks spiking – and advice on how to deal with it – is being funded by drinks brand Malibu, though registered charity Stamp Out Spiking.
New research conducted by Malibu found that 73% of people do not know what to do in a spiking situation, and that 65% of 18–25-year-olds have noticed an increase in spikings since the pandemic.
To help rectify this, Malibu is making a £20,000 donation to Stamp Out Spiking, which will offer training for 2000 staff from bars, clubs and convenience stores across the UK.
The training takes 25 minutes and has been designed for all those interested in the safety and wellbeing of people, who want to educate themselves on spiking.
As well as Stamp Out Spiking’s regular training modules – which include identifying the symptoms of spiking, the drugs commonly used to spike people and how long it takes them to take effect, the common motives behind spiking, different forms of spiking, who is commonly targeted and what to do in the event of coming across a victim – the charity has introduced a new training module explaining Malibu’s new B.A.B.E.S protocol.
This customer-focussed campaign, promoted via #IGOTYOUBABES on social media, aims to help people understand what to do in a spiking emergency through a catchy pop song, concocted with the help of Munya Chawawa, who is known for creating topical content and landing serious messages in a not-so-serious way, and West End star Amber Davies, who feels passionately about spreading the word on ‘how to help your bestie’ on a night out if a spiking situation occurs.
The five step protocol to look after a friend who may have been spiked is as follows:
- Buddy Up – Stay with your friend;
- Alert Staff – Speak to bar or door staff for assistance;
- Be Chatty – Keep your friend talking;
- Emergency Call – Call 999;
- Switch to Water – Sip water, not alcohol.
‘I Got You B.A.B.E.S’ is the second instalment of Malibu’s Night time Safety platform ‘Good Vibes Only’, which each year tackles a variety of issues effecting 18-25 year olds on nights out.
Brand director at Pernod Ricard UK, Liam Murphy, explained: “To build on our Good Vibes Only campaign launched last year, we want to create a lasting impact with the I Got You B.A.B.E.S campaign.
“As a brand, Malibu celebrates living in the moment, embracing the good times and above all enjoying nights out with friends safely. It’s been great to have Munya and Amber at the forefront of this campaign to share our messaging and raise awareness of what to do in a spiking situation.”
For further information on how to deal with a spiking situation, visit www.malibudrinks.com/en-gb/babes/ for resources from its partners Drink Aware, Good Night Out, Stamp Out Spiking and Where You At.
