Beware the changing season

Whilst Autumn may bring back idyllic memories of cold, sunny days, kicking your way through assorted hues of gold coloured leaves, dispatched from unforgiving trees in preparation for the harsh coming winter months.

Whilst still trying to work out why in today’s world, it’s still relevant for the clocks to go back in order to preserve daylight hours? Accompanied by the annual ‘bribe’ of an extra 1 hour in bed (or whatever else you may choose to do?) for that 1 single day of the year. To this day, it still smacks of an unfair trade-off.

But this change of season whilst facilitating less light, also harbours in more darkness.

Stay safe commuting in the dark

Commuting becomes more depressing - waking in darkness and going home in darkness, and potentially greater opportunity for danger. 

It’s important to stay alert when commuting. Minimalize distractions and be aware of your surroundings. If you’re not doing this already, wear trainers to and from work. Keep your belongings with you, and if you carry a bag, make sure it’s closed. It’s also useful to have your phone fully charged, and if you use a travel card, to have it topped up before you travel.

When commuting, if you do see anything untoward, inform the nearest police officer / public transport official. Or you can text British Transport Police on 61016 and leave a message for them.

Personal safety awareness at work and your place of study

There’s been a lot written recently about sexual assaults in the workplace, and else where. The most recent being Mohamed-Al-Fayed, whilst he was the owner of Harrods. In fact, international studies suggest as many as 8 out of 10 women experience sexual harassment in their lifetime. If this is relevant to you, then call 999 if you’re in immediate danger. You can report rape, sexual assault, or other sexual offences online at www.police.uk. Or call 101, or visit a police station. 

Autumn is also a time when students either begin or return to their places of study. A time of excitement and fun of many, but be very careful. Statistics from the Office for National Statistics’ Crime Survey for England and Wales show that students are 3 times more likely to experience a sexual assault than anyone else.

On campus, universities and colleges tend to have their own security. However, off campus, students are at more risk. Therefore, it’s imperative to take precautions. Such as informing someone you trust of where you’re going, who you’re going with and what time you’re expected back home.

Ask for Angela

If you feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened in a venue, or walking in the street, can go into a bar discreetly seek help by approaching venue staff and asking them for “Angela”. This code-phrase will indicate to staff that you  require help with your situation and a trained member of staff will then look to support and assist you. This might be through reuniting you with a friend, seeing you into a taxi, or by calling venue security and / or the police. 

Is your private tutor a member of The Tutor’s Association?

Incidentally, currently under UK law, where there is no legal obligation for private tutors to undergo any background checks or be qualified to teach. However, The Tutor’s Association, which is an optional membership organisation representing 50,000 tutors across the UK, demands its members have an enhanced DBS check. (DBS stands for Disclosure and Baring service. It checks criminal records and other databases to ensure individuals are not already banned from working in such a capacity.)

Take responsibility for your own safety

Unfortunately, it’s no longer enough to rely on the government ‘safety apparatus’ such as the police. Or having strangers looking out for you. You simply must get into the mindset of taking responsibility for your own safety.

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