If you have been spiked its important to remember what has happened is not your fault and you're not alone. Your safety and wellbeing are the most important things right now and you can access specialist support, if and whenever you feel ready.
What to do if you think you've been spiked
What to do if you think you've been spiked
- If you start to feel strange, sick or drunk when you know that you couldn’t be drunk, get help from a trusted friend or the venue management.
- If you think you may have been spiked, ask a close friend to get you out of the venue or party as soon as possible and either take you home or to hospital (if seriously unwell). You could also ring a friend, relative or partner and ask them to come and pick you up.
- If you feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened you can ask for help by approaching venue staff and asking for ‘Angela’. This is a coded-phrase that indicates you need help and a trained member of staff will support and assist you. You can also ask for 'Angela' if you are in any situation where you feel threatened or at risk.
- Once you are safely home ask someone to stay with you until the effects of the drug have worn off - this might take several hours.
- Don’t hesitate to call for medical help if you need it - it's always better to get checked out.
- If you feel able and comfortable to, make a report to the police as soon as possible. Some substances used for spiking can’t be detected after 72 hours or even 12 hours, so doing this as early as possible can help the police find out what has happened.
Report
- Report + Support. Students and staff can report an incident using the School’s Report + Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can report with contact details for advice and practical support. If you choose to report with contact details, a School member of staff will be able to talk through the options and support available to you, in confidence.
- School Procedure. If you choose to make a formal report to the School about a student or member of staff there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow. The procedures will vary depending on whether the person you are reporting is a student or a member of staff, but the appropriate team will be able to advise.
School support
For Students
- Take care of yourself. It’s important that you take care of yourself. If you’ve heard something distressing or if something is troubling you, the School's Counselling Service offers confidential help.
- All students can access confidential support and advice from Student Services.
Safeguarding
What is safeguarding?
- Safeguarding is defined as protecting someone’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.
- It is also about preventing and responding to concerns of abuse, harm or neglect.
Find out more on the support available from the Head of Safeguarding
Support at the Basement Bar
If you think that you or a friend has been spiked in the Basement Bar, please approach a member of the bar staff team - all bar staff are trained to offer initial support to students.
STOPTOPPS (stickers that can be used to cover drinks to prevent spiking) and spiking test kits, are available free of charge on request as you order your drink, or anytime from behind the bar.
Support at the Basement Bar
If you think that you or a friend has been spiked in the Basement Bar, please approach a member of the bar staff team - all bar staff are trained to offer initial support to students.
STOPTOPPS (stickers that can be used to cover drinks to prevent spiking) and spiking test kits, are available free of charge on request as you order your drink, or anytime from behind the bar.
For Staff
HR - If you are a member of staff your HR Business Partner will be able to identify the support that’s available for you.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a confidential employee service providing support for a wide range of personal and professional challenges that may be affecting your work life, health and general wellbeing. The EAP can connect you with qualified professionals for counselling and other support services.
Trade Unions - There are two trade unions that represent staff, GMB and UNITE. Staff who are members can contact them for support and advice.
City of London Corporation Occupational Health offers short term psychological support for staff including confidential counselling. Occupational Health can provide advice and direct staff to appropriate services. Email: TC-Occup.Health@cityoflondon.gov.uk.
Dignity at Work Advisers are trained to provide advice and support to those who feel that they have been subjected to bullying or harassment.
Mental Health First Aiders can give you initial support and signpost you to appropriate help if required.
As employees of the City of London Corporation, Guildhall School staff can join a number of staff network groups. They are a fantastic way to network with people, build contacts, share experiences, arrange events and socialise.
HR - If you are a member of staff your HR Business Partner will be able to identify the support that’s available for you.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a confidential employee service providing support for a wide range of personal and professional challenges that may be affecting your work life, health and general wellbeing. The EAP can connect you with qualified professionals for counselling and other support services.
Trade Unions - There are two trade unions that represent staff, GMB and UNITE. Staff who are members can contact them for support and advice.
City of London Corporation Occupational Health offers short term psychological support for staff including confidential counselling. Occupational Health can provide advice and direct staff to appropriate services. Email: TC-Occup.Health@cityoflondon.gov.uk.
Dignity at Work Advisers are trained to provide advice and support to those who feel that they have been subjected to bullying or harassment.
Mental Health First Aiders can give you initial support and signpost you to appropriate help if required.
As employees of the City of London Corporation, Guildhall School staff can join a number of staff network groups. They are a fantastic way to network with people, build contacts, share experiences, arrange events and socialise.