Feeling safe is part of the plan

The first date is easier when someone else knows the plan.

• Meet somewhere public and busy, a cafe, a bar or a park in daylight.
• Have a short video call first if you want to hear their voice before you meet.
• Arrange your own way there and back, so you never depend on them for a lift.
• Tell one person who you're meeting, where, and when you expect to be home.

You set the pace, and you can change it at any point.

• Order your own drinks and watch them being poured.
• Keep your phone, bag and keys with you, even on a trip to the bathroom.
• Pick somewhere you know, or somewhere with staff close by.
• Keep the first date short. You can always plan a second one.

That feeling is information, and you never owe anyone an explanation.

• Make an excuse and leave. You don't have to be polite about feeling unsafe.
• Ask a member of staff to walk you out or call you a taxi.
• Don't accept a drink you didn't see poured, or a lift you don't want.
• Message a friend the moment you're out, and tell us afterwards so we can act.

The last part of the evening matters as much as the first.

• Text your trusted contact when you leave and when you're home.
• Share your live location on the way back if the journey isn't short.
• If you take a taxi, note the plate and send it to someone.
• Mark your safety check-in as home safe so nobody worries.