New research has shown that almost half of British women (47%) have refrained from calling a friend or helpline while walking home alone at night, even when they felt unsafe. The reasons given were fears of ‘disturbing loved ones’, ‘causing unnecessary worry’ or ‘being judged’. One in five adults in the UK have held back from contacting loved ones for a chat while on their way home.
Of this group, a third (31%) are Gen Zers, aged between 18-24. Women (41%) and LGBTQIA+ individuals (37%) were the groups most concerned about getting home after attending a live event alone. The study was carried out by global ticket marketplace viagogo, which is partnering with Uber and Strut Safe to ensure gig-goers get home safely and combat the stigma around asking for help.
A third of Brits (31%) plan to attend live events this year but the journey home afterwards is a major obstacle for music fans with 27% of women saying they would go to more gigs alone if they felt safer travelling at night.
The main worries among all participants include using public transport alone at night (28%), waiting alone at transport stops (27%) and having no phone signal (22%).
The research is part of a new initiative dubbed #SAVETHENUMBER, which encourages individuals to utilise Strut Safe’s support line. If you’re not keen on calling a friend when leaving a festival, live music gig or other late-night event, you can converse with one of the volunteers who will remain on the line until you’re safely home.
Strut Safe is a non-profit volunteer-run support line and reported a 28% increase in calls over the past year with calls coming in after 11pm on weekends, a crucial travel time for gig-goers.
Grace, a 26 year old volunteer for the non-profit for the past two years, understands the importance of having someone to rely on when travelling late at night. She expressed: “Too often, people dismiss their desire for a little support as an ‘overreaction’. Sadly, it’s a mindset we’ve been conditioned to accept. But the truth is, if that’s how you’re feeling, it’s valid and completely understandable in today’s world.”
Speaking about her own use of the support line, she said “it made me feel so much better knowing that there was a voice on the end of the phone and talking about random things was comforting.”
Matt Drew, business development lead at viagogo, stated: “At viagogo, our mission is to help more fans access live events. That’s why we’re going beyond the event itself partnering with leading support line Strut Safe and Uber to help address some of the barriers fans experience so they can enjoy a great night out from start to finish.”
The trend of dialling a support line is gaining traction, with 47% of respondents indicating they would utilise Strut Safe’s hotline for future nights out. The service operates from 7pm to 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 7pm to 1am on Sundays.
Michelle Kelly, the strategy director at Strut Safe, commented: “The surge in calls to Strut Safe mirrors ongoing safety concerns about travelling alone at night, particularly among individuals of marginalised genders. Promoting awareness of the resources at hand is vital to enable all individuals to confidently engage in public life.
“We are heartened by the news of more people embracing solo travel and independent experiences, while acknowledging the intricate ways in which experiences of marginalisation can create obstacles to these activities.”
As part of the #SAVETHENUMBER campaign, viagogo and Uber are also providing a £10 discount code (‘ruGtzslERHA’) on rides throughout the UK for anyone journeying to or from concerts.
This limited-time offer commences at 8pm on Friday 4 April and is valid between 8pm and 6am. It will be deducted from the total and can be redeemed once per user.
Mollie Moric, co-chair of women at Uber, stated: “Safety is integrated into every stage of the journey with Uber because everyone has the right to feel safe and supported when travelling.
“We are honoured to collaborate with Strut Safe and viagogo to ensure music fans return home safely and with peace of mind.”