Drink spiking - our pledge

Loughborough University is committed to keeping our students as safe as possible. Working closely with the Students Union we are preparing for Freshers and beyond by addressing the issue of drink spiking.

We will also continue to work collaboratively with Charnwood Borough Council and Leicestershire Police to protect our students from spiking. We will ensure that a consistent approach is adopted to reinforce the clear message that spiking is not tolerated.

We acknowledge that the prospect of being a victim of drink and needle spiking can be frightening and if subjected to this, it can cause both physical and emotional responses.

We will believe you. We are here to help.

We understand how important it is that you feel believed, supported appropriately, and have our staff trained accordingly. The University and the Student’s Union commit to believing and supporting anyone who thinks they have been spiked.

Here is what we will do.

The Students' Union will

Provide drinks covers - Stop Tops and Spikeys - to ensure our students protect their drinks. There will also be alternative retail options available to purchase – Night caps.
The Students' Union is running an awareness campaign – Don’t be a Dick. Share it as much as you can.
Advice and guidance will be provided to all LSU staff especially security and bar staff, and joint briefings will be held with University staff.

The University will

Have multidrug, rapid testing kits made available for anyone who suspects they have been spiked. We will never use them to take action against people who may have taken drugs recreationally.
Take spiking seriously and provide information and guidance to all students and staff, to improve awareness of spiking, the signs, how to respond and support services available.
Staff will be provided with awareness training, to compliment University annual mandatory training.
Provide students with clear information about where to get help if they are concerned.

What to do if you are concerned that you or someone else may have been spiked

  • Tell a trusted person straight away, this may be a member of staff, security, a warden or a friend.
  • If you feel unwell or your condition deteriorates you should seek medical attention immediately and tell them that you think you have been needle spiked or your drink has been spiked. This may be a First Aider or calling emergency services on 111 or 999.
  • Report it to Security so they can support you and explain your reporting options. Security can be accessed 24/7 on 01509 222141 or 0800 526966.
  • Security will provide you with the opportunity to complete a Multidrug Rapid Testing kit if you wish to. Advice will be given so an informed decision can be made. It will be your choice. If you choose to take a test, we will provide you with a kit and explain how to use it. Some drugs may not be traceable immediately and take several hours to appear in urine.  In some cases it may be necessary to wait, or to take another test later.   
  • We will automatically make a referral to Student Services on your behalf so that we can provide any follow up support required.