Community Safety and Wellbeing

Spiking and Nightlife Safety

Spiking is when someone gives you alcohol or drugs without your knowledge or consent. It is a serious criminal offence. Spiking can happen in drinks (alcoholic or soft drinks), through food, vapes, or by needle injection.

If this has happened to you or someone you are with, it is never your fault. You will be believed, supported, and treated with respect.

Common Symptoms

The effects vary depending on what was used, but signs often include:

• Feeling much more intoxicated than expected from what you drank.
• Sudden dizziness, confusion, or loss of balance.
• Slurred speech or difficulty communicating.
• Nausea, vomiting, or visual disturbances.
• Gaps in memory or blackouts.
• Unexplained injection marks, scratches, or bruises.

What to Do Immediately

• Get to a safe place: Alert venue staff, bouncers, or a trusted friend immediately. Never leave a venue alone or accept a ride from a stranger.
• Some venues participate in a scheme called ‘Ask for Angela’. You can ask for Angela at the bar if you feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened and need a discrete way of asking for support.
• Seek urgent medical care:
  • If someone is unconscious, having trouble breathing, or unresponsive, call 999 straight away.
  • For urgent medical advice that isn’t life-threatening, call NHS 111 or contact the surgery. If needle-spiking is suspected, seek medical attention promptly to check for infection risks (such as Hepatitis B or tetanus).

How Dorset Police Collect Evidence

• Early testing gives the police the best chance of finding out what drug was used and prosecuting the offender.
• Learn more about how police collect evidence after alleged spiking.

A Safe Space to Talk: Reporting Financial Concerns at Your GP Surgery

Many people feel isolated and overwhelmed when they believe someone is taking advantage of them financially. Sometimes, approaching a bank or the police can feel frightening or too complicated.

Your GP Surgery: A Familiar Haven of Trust

We understand this reluctance. At our practice, we have deep, long-standing relationships with our patients. You are accustomed to discussing sensitive, personal matters with your doctor and nursing team in a private, non-threatening environment. We are here to listen, not to judge.

What to Look For

Financial abuse can be subtle. It might involve:

• Someone taking your cash or using your bank card without permission.
• Feeling pressured to change your will or sign documents you don’t understand.
• Family members or carers taking over management of your finances against your wishes.
• A neighbour or helpful acquaintance taking advantage of your finances.

We are Here to Listen and Help

If you recognise any of these concerns in your own life or that of someone you know, please talk to us during your next visit. You don’t need a special appointment; just ask to speak privately with your doctor, nurse, or a member of our staff.

Our team is trained to listen empathetically and help you explore your options. We can discreetly connect you with further support in a controlled, safe way that respects your wishes.

You are not alone, and you do not have to carry this worry by yourself. Help is available, and it starts with a trusted conversation here at your surgery.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of financial abuse, you are encouraged to contact Dorset Police directly by calling the 101 non-emergency phone line, or if calling from abroad, phone +44 1202 222222.   You can also submit a report online through the Dorset Police website.