The Safer Stockport Partnership (SSP), which includes Stockport Council, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, is looking to raise awareness among residents to ensure they have a safe Christmas whilst out and about.

This year we are advising residents that whilst Christmas is traditionally a time to party a little harder, the downside of excessive drinking is that, at best, you may say something you will regret, at worst, you could be a victim of crime, assaulted, or end up in hospital.

To help combat this, the top ten tips for a great time this Christmas with no regrets are:
1. Space your drinks with soft drinks or water. This will stop you getting too dehydrated, helping avoid a nasty hangover!
2. Eat before you go out, or include a meal as part of the night.
3. Plan how to get home. Make sure you have taxi numbers and enough money to get home safely.
4. Look after each other.  Stay with your friends and look after anyone who has had too much to drink or taken drugs.
5. Walk away from signs of trouble – it’s easy to feel provoked but it’s not worth ending up in a police cell or hospital.
6. Think about sex! If you fancy your chances, make sure you carry condoms.  Getting drunk doesn’t improve your chat up lines, your looks or your sexual performance.  And “taking advantage” of someone who is drunk could lead to a charge of sexual assault or rape.
7. Beware of the ‘beer goggles’ effect!  Too much alcohol can affect your judgement and lead to decisions you may live to regret.
8. Don’t get ‘spiked – don’t accept drinks from strangers or leave your drink unattended.
9. Keep your stuff safe – people who are drunk are easy targets for thieves and robbers.
10. Choose freedom from abuse: violent and abusive behaviours may get worse after drinking.  If you experience this, think of an escape plan and talk to someone who can help – like the National Domestic Violence Helpline (24 hrs. free phone) 0808 2000 247.

Councillor Tom McGee, for Stockport Council said “By providing residents of Stockport with valuable information and advice it is hoped that everyone will have a happy and safe Christmas.  By taking simple steps such as staying with friends and looking after each other, people can make it a night to remember, not regret.”