Ever been put off going to a gig by the prospect of getting home in the dark?
You’re not alone. 27 per cent of women would attend more live events by themselves if they felt safer travelling home at night, while nearly half of them (47 per cent) say they’ve found themselves in situations where they wanted to use a support line, or safety tool – but didn’t.
Not only is this dangerous for our personal safety, but it’s also a barrier to enjoying live music.
To combat this – and get more people feeling confident about going to gigs – the non profit support line Strut Safe is teaming up with viagogo and Uber to launch a new campaign, #SavetheNumber.
The campaign is encouraging those people to call Strut Safe’s helpline (0333 335 0026) – or indeed, save their number – on the way back instead. Uber has also partnered with viagogo to offer a £10 discount on rides across the UK, for anybody travelling to or from gigs.
To access the one-time code, click on ‘wallet’ in the Uber app, then ‘add voucher code’. The code is ‘ruGtzslERHA’, and can be redeemed once for a £10 off fare.
The code itself will be active from 8pm on Friday April 4, and will be valid between 8pm and 6am nightly going forward.
It’s a timely intervention. Calls to Strut Safe – a network that links travellers in distress up with a professionally trained volunteer – have increased by 28 per cent this year, with the majority coming in after 11pm on weekends.
In addition, the biggest worry Brits cited about going home alone from gigs is walking alone, with women and LGBTQIA+ individuals most affected.
Despite how unsafe many of us feel, we often don’t feel like we can call for help. 18 per cent of UK adults, and 31 per cent of Gen Z fans, have hesitated when it comes to reaching out to loved ones when they feel unsafe on the way home, worried that they’d be a disturbance to loved ones.
Other issues with travelling back late at night included using public transport alone (28 per cent), waiting alone at transport stops (27 per cent) and having no phone signal (22 per cent).
“Too often, people dismiss their desire for a little support as an ‘overreaction.’ Sadly, it’s a mindset we’ve been conditioned to accept,” Strut Safe volunteer Gracie said about the announcement.
“We understand that sometimes, people don’t want to disturb their parents, partners, or friends, or might not have anyone to call. That’s why we’re here — not to judge, but to listen. Whether it’s for two minutes or two hours, we’re happy to chat or wait quietly on the line offering support whenever it’s needed.”
Despite the dangers that travelling solo can create, the UK’s appetite for gig going alone is on the rise. 20 per cent of women say earlier event times make them feel more comfortable going to gigs alone, while a significant percentage of people say that solo travel, in turn, makes them feel more comfortable attending solo.
