Cardiff CAP was launched in 2018 and covers the largest city in Wales with a considerable student population. There are large campuses for several universities and colleges in the city and the nightlife in the capital is a big draw for young people.
Cardiff CAP includes membership from a wide range of organisations with an interest in reducing harm from alcohol in 18-25s, including FOR Cardiff (local business improvement district), the Community Safety Liaison Officer for the Police, the local Police Licencing Team, Cardiff Student Union and Cardiff Met.
Much of the work from the Cardiff CAP partners is around on making the Night Time Economy (NTE) safer for those using it, particularly the student population. Here are some of the highlights of the Cardiff CAP’s work:
Student-led work on alcohol-free and mindful drinking
The Cardiff and Vale Local Public Health Team offer a one-year student placement each year to Psychology undergraduates. This year two placement students attended CAP meetings and shared their first-hand knowledge of the student experience in Cardiff.
Recognising that many of CAPs alcohol resources for work with 18+ weren’t aimed specifically at students and could be improved, the undergraduates helped design new targeted resources.
Student-led involvement at events such as Fresher Fairs to promote safer drinking and local alcohol-free activities used the designs that were developed in the student placements.
Planning is underway to provide alcohol free events in the City Centre and Cardiff Students Union with guest speakers who have lived experience of sober living.
Training for support staff
This year CAP funded training for a group of 12 staff at Cardiff University from the Wellbeing Team.
Cardiff Student Union
The student union champions wellbeing and choice for their students and run popular events such as Palentines (an alternative to Valentines!) with a wide choice of alcohol-free activities.
Safety Bus
Cardiff Safety Bus provides support on Cardiff’s busiest nights to lone, vulnerable members of the public (mainly aged 18-25) to ensure they get home safely or to access services such as the Alcohol Treatment Centre. The Safety Bus has been running for several years and this year, South Wales Police were successful in a bid to the Home Office “Safer Streets Funding” which has enabled them to purchase two more buses. Volunteers work in pairs alongside a Police Officer to respond to licensed venues in Cardiff. The volunteers support vulnerable individuals to a place of safety. CAP is providing funding that will support training of volunteers in conflict management, first aid training and radio skills.
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