‘Safe & Sound’ campaign to encourage families and individuals to enjoy varied nightlife in Sligo town
- Safe & Sound campaign wants to increase people’s enjoyment of
nightlife in Sligo - Aim also to reduce anti-social behaviour and promote respect
- Resources available to staff at nightclubs, pubs and festivals
Sligo BID has launched the second year of its ‘Safe & Sound’ campaign in partnership with Sligo County Council.
The campaign is to encourage people to enjoy Sligo Town at night while also promoting responsible nightlife and a reduction in anti-social behaviour. It is being launched ahead of the busy festive season.
It aims to reduce anti-social behaviour and promote respect with a call to action for both visitors and residents to enjoy the night-time economy safely while being considerate of their surroundings.
The Safe & Sound campaign is supported by the ATU Sligo’s Students’ Union. Current research indicates there are approximately 4,100 nighttime workers in Sligo, including restaurant and bar staff, security workers, taxi and bus drivers, paramedics, cleaners and much more. ‘Safe & Sound’ encourages respect towards all these people while they are carrying out their jobs.
‘Safe & Sound’ will promote respect and responsible nightlife across a range of media including through Spotify ads, social media reels, as well as through posters and flyers distributed across Sligo town.
This year, the campaign carries on the work done after the announcement of the free Night- Time Economy (NTE) staff training portal for Sligo Town launched by the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan T.D. earlier this year. This offers free specialist training for staff at nightclubs, pubs and festivals on how to tackle subjects such as sexual harassment, violence against women and girls and drink spiking.
This is a Department of Culture, Communications and Sport Initiative, delivered as part of the Sligo Town Night Time Economy Pilot by Sligo BID and Sligo County Council. As part of the overall Night Time Economy Initiative, Sligo has its own dedicated Night Time Economy Advisor, Edel Doran, who works within Sligo BID.
Sligo BID CEO Gail McGibbon says:
“The ‘Safe & Sound’ campaign is setting a positive tone while encouraging individuals to be mindful and respectful of others – from the person showing you to your seat at the theatre at the start of your night to the bus or taxi driver bringing you home. If we all treat the town and the people in it with respect, we will create a more enjoyable and respectful environment for everyone.”
Caroline Forde, Sligo Ask for Angela, says:
“It’s a pleasure to be part of the Sligo ‘Safe & Sound’ Campaign, which seeks to enhance the safety and wellbeing of both patrons and staff of night-time venues in our community. The training and supports available through this important initiative elevate the attractiveness of Sligo’s nighttime economy as a place to work and enjoy a fun night out.”
Patrik Berger, VP for Wellbeing and Engagement, ATU Sligo Students’ Union, says:
“It’s great to support the Safe and Sound campaign and the work happening across Sligo to make nights out safer and more enjoyable. From a student point of view, having clear supports in place and a shared focus on looking out for one another makes a real difference. When venues, services and the wider community work together, it helps create a night-time environment where people can have fun, feel safe and get home without trouble.”