Find love anywhere - Photo: aWee

Staying safe when out on a date or in a new relationship is the message of a new campaign launched by the Tamworth Community Safety Partnership.

Don’t Break My Heart aims to raise awareness about personal safety and the dangers that people can face when they are dating or are in new relationships and ensure that they are safe and free from domestic abuse.

A safety day is being held at the Kerria Centre in Amington between 2pm and 5pm on Valentine’s Day to highlight the Don’t Break My Heart message. Representatives from a range of services will be on hand to give support and advice on all issues relating to relationships, including parenting skills, teenage pregnancy, healthy relationships and domestic abuse.

Workshops on relationship issues will also be held throughout the event, which is open to all and is free to attend.

Cllr Michael Greatorex, Cabinet member for Community Safety, said:

“We take the issue of personal safety very seriously. Don’t Break My Heart is a valuable addition to the other hard work which goes on to make Tamworth a safe place to live and I would encourage people who feel they would benefit from it to go along and pick up important advice on staying safe.”

The Tamworth Community Safety Partnership has highlighted a few essential tips to follow to help people have a fun but safe date this Valentine’s Day:

  • If you are replying to a lonely heart’s advert or chatting to someone online, never give personal details such as your address or surname. Be careful about giving out your telephone number
  • Always arrange to meet in a busy public place, preferably in the daytime, until you are sure of the other person’s identity
  • Tell someone where you are going, who with (including name, phone number and address) and when you will be back
  • Initially do not go home with your date and do not invite them back to your home or accept a lift
  • Pay attention to your instincts. If you feel uneasy about someone, there may be a reason. Be careful not to give them personal details about yourself and do not arrange a second date.
  • Get a friend to text you at an agreed time into the date. That way if you want to leave, you can pretend there is an emergency, and if you do not reply, your friend can figure out if you are in trouble.
  • Remember that alcohol and drug use will dull your awareness of danger, will reduce your ability to make safe choices and will make you look more vulnerable.