Walk Together Cardiff is an initiative which aims to ensure people are not walking home alone
CARDIFF University sports teams have joined forces to offer a walking home service to people late at night.
“If there’s any way we can help people to feel safer and enjoy their nights out, that’s our main aim,” said Max Bourne, one of the organisers.
Every Saturday evening, between 11pm and 3.30am, the volunteers are willing to walk anyone home around Cathays and the city centre.
Last week, their members were outside Cardiff University Students Union and the Hilton Hotel in the city centre, while another group were roaming around Cathays.
One of those walked home, Olivia Bailey, a first-year student at Cardiff University said: “After having another great night in our SU, I was pleasantly surprised to be approached by two boys in red who offered to accompany myself and my friend on our way back to my accommodation.
“They made us feel safe in these uncertain times and made the 25-minute walk feel like five minutes.
“To ensure safety at all times, a clear code of conduct has been set out by the group, including: always remaining sober on shift, groups of two minimum walking someone home, no entering houses and no asking for numbers or social media.”
The campaign comes partly in response to reports of an increase in drink spiking, in Cardiff and across the UK.
The group was inspired by a previous initiative. Following a ‘national rape day’ hoax in April, the Men’s Football Club at Cardiff University walked around 30 women home.
Ben Marett, who headed the football club’s efforts last year said: “A lot of parents messaged thanking the team.
“We had a lot of students and the public alike thanking us and saying that they felt a lot safer in Cardiff.
“I think it’s great that Walk Together have made it a more regular thing, anything that can help people feel more safe at the moment is fantastic.”
The sports teams involved are: Swimming and Water Polo, Men’s Football, Hockey, Lacrosse, Medics Rugby and Surf Sports.
Follow @walktogether_cardiff on Instagram to keep up with their progress and drop them a message if you need help getting home on a Saturday evening.
