IslingtonLife
14
Christmas
Stay safe over the festive period It’s important to enjoy the festivities over Christmas and New Year, but also that you feel safe and stay safe, and don’t get into debt.
Keep your drinking in check
Personal safety support
With all the parties and celebrations going on, it’s easy to drink more alcohol than usual. The units can soon add up and begin to affect your health and wellbeing. Visit the ‘One You Islington’ website for some top tips and download a free ‘Drinks Tracker’ app to help keep your drinking in check. www. oneyouislington.org/drink-less
If you are on a night out over the festive season and feeling uncomfortable in a pub or club, use the ‘Ask for Angela’ service by discreetly asking for Angela at the bar to alert staff. On your way home, always use black cabs or book a licenced taxi – never get into an unlicensed taxi or one that’s touting for business.
Fire safety For many people, candles are as much a part of their Christmas decorations as holly and tinsel. But if you don’t use candles safely it could spell disaster for you and your family. Advice from London Fire Brigade is to always place candles in a suitable fire-resistant holder on a flat surface away from things that could catch fire and always put them out when you leave the room or go to sleep.
It’s a fact that domestic abuse and sexual violence increase over Christmas. If you experience domestic abuse, contact Solace Women’s Aid on 0808 802 5565. If you experience sexual violence contact Solace North London rape crisis service on 0808 801 0305. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
Debt problems In the run up to Christmas it’s tempting to throw caution to the wind by spending more than you’d like or can afford. Instead, set a budget and stick to it – this is the best way to manage debt, but only one in four people do it. Continue to pay your bills, like rent, council tax, gas and electricity because falling behind will make it even harder to catch up in January. And avoid borrowing, but if you do take out a loan make sure it’s not high interest and use a trusted lender like the Credit Union www.credit-union.coop Get advice now – if you are struggling with debt, act early by calling the Islington Advice Alliance on or visit www. islington.gov.uk/moneyadvice