Plan the last hour first
Most night-out plans begin with the venue. A safer plan begins with the trip home: when you need to leave, which service or licensed taxi you will use, where the pickup point is and what the backup costs.
Police guidance recommends planning how you will get home, travelling with friends and using a trusted taxi company. See the Police Scotland safe nights out advice and West Yorkshire Police personal-safety guidance.
Your before-you-go checklist
- Check the timetable. Know the final train or bus and the realistic time you must leave the venue.
- Choose a licensed backup. Save a trusted taxi number or reputable booking option. Never get into a vehicle you cannot verify.
- Protect the fare. Put the journey-home cost outside the social-spending budget.
- Charge your phone. Bring a small power bank if the night will be long.
- Tell someone. Share the venue, your expected return and any change of plan with a trusted person.
- Pick the meeting point. If your group gets separated, agree where you will regroup.
When it is time to leave
- Stay with people you trust where possible.
- Wait for transport in a well-lit, busy place.
- Check the registration, driver and booking details before entering a taxi.
- Do not accept an unplanned lift from someone you have just met.
- If walking is the only option, use well-lit main roads and avoid isolated shortcuts.
- If you feel followed or unsafe, go into an open venue, speak to staff or call police.
Put the journey into HeelClick
Choose a travel preference and leave time when you create the night. HeelClick can use Apple Maps estimates and route warnings to make the journey easier to manage. Safety Mode can open directions home, call a trusted contact or share a Maps route or location link.
HeelClick does not guarantee route safety, verify taxis, monitor your journey or dispatch help. Always use your judgement and emergency services when needed.
Plan your next journey home ↗If the plan breaks
A cancelled train, lost friend or flat phone is not the moment to pretend the original plan still works. Move to a staffed, well-lit place. Speak to venue staff, transport staff or police. Contact someone you trust. Spend the protected transport money if that is what the safer option requires.
When to call 999
Call 999 if there is immediate danger, a serious crime is happening or someone needs urgent medical help. HeelClick is not an emergency service. If someone suddenly feels much more intoxicated than expected, confused or seriously unwell, tell venue staff and get medical help; do not leave them alone.