IN the wake of recent concerns about the safety of women a south Essex domestic abuse charity has issued a timely checklist as the region prepares to get ready to moving back to normality as Covid restrictions are eased.

Changing Pathways is a local charity that provides free and confidential support and advocacy to individuals subjected to domestic abuse and stalking in the areas of Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Rochford and Thurrock.

One of its advisors contacted Nub News to ask us to help promote the safety messages and said: "These tips are given with the best possible motives love and care, so you enjoy a safe return to a normal social life with friends and family."

We are pleased to share the advice:-

• Have a mobile ?- course you do – so make sure it has got enough power and activate/ switch on 'Location' in settings.

• Handbag – use a messenger style or type- a long strap worn across the body leaves you hands free.

• Are you going with friends, or alone? Tell somebody where you are going and with whom.

• Transport - car or taxi? Remember if you're driving, no alcohol –pre- book same taxi company for both to and from club, at an agreed time and meeting point between you all to leave for home, do not take a chance picking up unknown cab outside the venue. Too expensive and usually unlicensed, which also means unchecked and un-vetted.

• With a Group? Keep within view ,even if you chatting up a fella, let the others know what you're up to.

• Drinks – never leave and then return to a drink that's been unattended, better to buy another

• Do not be pressured into accepting and then urged to drink up strong alcoholic cocktails from people you do not know. If they do not respect a polite, firm refusal or not listen to No Thank You. Time to move on.

• Clock in your mind where and who the security staff are.

• Be Clear and politely ask to be left alone if pestered, but do it after moving nearer to security personnel .

• Gut Instinct – if something makes you uneasy, you don't need to rationalize, just respect the built in radar that senses and warns you when something is not right, even if you can't say what it is, Listen to it – move away NOW.

Anyone wishing to seek the help of Changing pathways can do so via its 24 hour helpline on 0330 333 7 444.