Let's talk about keeping safe

Whether you’ve joined LJMU for the first time or have just returned for another year, it's important that as part of your student experience you make sure to put your safety and wellbeing first.

As you settle into this academic year, here are some simple ways to stay safe, look after yourself and those around you, call out inappropriate behaviour, and know where to turn if you ever need help.

Support on campus

Our SafeZone app

One of the easiest ways to access help on campus is through downloading the LJMU SafeZone app and registering with you LJMU email address.

SafeZone connects you directly to LJMU's security team at the touch of a button. Use it in an emergency when you need urgent help. Use it to call for first aid. Use the ‘See it, say it’ feature to report anything that worries you but is not an emergency. Help and advice is only a few taps away.

You can also call the LJMU security team using the phone number printed on the back of your student ID card or find a member of the team in the Student Life Building which is open 24/7.  

Report and Support online platform

If you experience or witness bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct, or a hate crime or hate incident, you can report it through our Report and Support platform. You can choose to report anonymously or share your details so that you can access help from our Specialist Support team based within our Student Advice and Wellbeing service.

We’re committed to ensuring everyone at LJMU feels safe, respected and that they belong on our campus. That’s why we’re proud to be a part of the ‘This is Liverpool’ anti racism campaign. The initiative also aims to raise awareness and ensure that anyone who experiences, or witnesses racism, knows that there are safe and confidential ways to report it via the platform too.

All students are also encouraged to complete the ‘Harassment and Sexual Misconduct’ training module on Canvas. The module helps you to understand harassment, sexual misconduct, consent, and bystander intervention, ensuring we can create the safe and welcoming community we want everyone to experience at LJMU.

Creating a safer culture starts with all of us. Call out misogyny, racism, or inappropriate behaviour, whether it's in the group chat or on campus.

Dedicated university police officer

We even have a university police officer, PC Martin Triggs. He is based in the Student Life Building every Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 2pm and is available to discuss concerns, provide advice and guidance, or support you if you need to report a crime.

Simply ask for Martin at the JMSU reception desk or you can email him directly too.

Enjoying Liverpool's nightlife safely

Liverpool is known for its vibrant nightlife, and we understand that students enjoy socialising in the city's bars, clubs and other venues throughout the year.

If you're heading out, stay with friends where possible and share your location with them, keep your phone charged, never leave your drink unattended, and plan how you'll get home. Look out for those around you too.

Alcohol and drugs

At LJMU, we recognise that some students may choose to use alcohol or drugs. The university does not condone illegal drug use or the misuse of medication or alcohol. However, we take a harm reduction approach, meaning that you can access non-judgemental advice, support and services to help make informed choices and stay safe.

Whether you're concerned about yourself, a friend or flatmate, support is available through the university student support teams alongside local specialist services in the city.

Halo points and Village Angels

You may notice Halo points around Liverpool city centre. These visible safety points form part of a city-wide initiative to support people who feel vulnerable or unsafe while enjoying Liverpool's night life. They are designed to be easy to spot and provide quick access to emergency services via 999 and are linked to City Watch CCTV, offering immediate reassurance and rapid intervention.

You may also spot Village Angel volunteers around Liverpool during weekends, in their distinctive pink high-visibility jackets. Village Angels can support those who may be vulnerable, lost, unwell or in need of assistance, whether you need a plaster, a drink of water, or some help getting home.

Ask for Angela scheme

“Ask for Angela” is a discreet way to get help in participating bars, pubs, clubs and venues if you feel unsafe, threated, harassed or uncomfortable while out and about in the city. You simply approach a member of staff and “Ask for Angela”. Staff are trained to understand you need support and will help you safely leave the situation or access further assistance. You do not need to explain your situation or be in immediate danger to use the scheme.

Ways to keep you and your property safe on the street

Merseyside Police has recently seen a rise in mobile phone thefts in our city, with thieves befriending people late at night with the aim to take mobiles or other personal items.  

If you’re using your phone it’s more likely to be snatched from your hand as you’re not paying attention to your surroundings, so look around you, and try to keep to busy, well-lit streets, walkways and paths which are more likely to be covered by CCTV.

If you’re ever threatened with violence, don’t risk your personal safety. Property can be replaced, you can’t.

Protecting yourself from cybercrime and fraud

Passwords, thinking twice before clicking and multi-factor authentication

It’s important to also protect your personal data and privacy online. Not only to protect yourself, but to ensure our university systems aren’t accessed by criminals.

There are some simple things that you can do to help keep your personal data safe online including creating long and strong passwords, being aware of phishing attempts and securing your devices using multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.

A series of short videos, produced by LJMU students, are available on our webpages to help you keep your personal data safe online and improve your digital security.  

Complete the cybersecurity tips Canvas course to win a tablet
If you complete our online course to help you use digital technology at LJMU safely and securely, you will be entered into a prize draw to win a Lenovo tablet. Simply complete the Canvas course by 1 December 2026 and a winner will be chosen at random.

Awareness of student-specific scams

There’s also a handy online guide for students, produced by Report Fraud, which outlines some of the common scams that might be targeted at students that focus on student loans, tuition fees and student visas.

Plus, Merseyside Police’s Economic Crime Team have some top tips about staying alert to fraudsters who might target students through online purchase scams, fake offers of employment, false accommodation adverts, sextortion or money laundering.

You can also get support locally if you’ve been scammed from Victim Care Merseyside by calling 0808 175 3080 on weekdays between 8am and 6pm or requesting support online.