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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
James Holt

Charity issues spiking warning ahead of Halloween weekend... and continues medical support at Manchester's Gay Village

Selfless charity volunteers from the St John Ambulance Service will remain stationed at Manchester's Gay Village this weekend.

In their usual weekly patrol, paramedics from the service will be on hand to give help to clubbers tonight and Saturday night (October 30).

They will remain stationed on Sackville Street, in the heart of Manchester's Gay Village.

READ MORE: The night they said 'no more' - spiking protests held in Manchester and across the UK

But the service is encouraging Halloween party-goers to remain extra vigilant following increased reports of people being spiked.

Clubbers took to the streets of Manchester earlier this week to boycott nightclubs following increasing spiking reports.

And the St John Ambulance charity also confirmed that teams are 'very aware' of the recent stories in the media around the risks of being spiked.

Club-goers are encouraged to remain vigilant this weekend (PA)

Volunteers are also 'more alert' to the issue around people being injected.

Members of the Night Time Economy Support Services (NTE) will be present to give medical care and support to people this weekend.

A spokesperson said: "St John Ambulance night-time economy (NTE) support services provide medical care and support to help keep people safe and well.

Volunteers are also 'more alert' to the issue around people being injected (St John Ambulance)

"The teams of first aiders and experienced healthcare professionals can also signpost to relevant services, including sending people to hospital if appropriate, and make arrangements to ensure people who have minor injuries or are worse for wear get home safely.

"If you or others feel unwell, notify bar and door staff who can call for medical assistance where they can contact the NTE service.

"The Manchester NTE Village service is an open, inclusive and supportive service providing non-judgemental support to service users.

"We are LGBTQ+ friendly, with awareness to the challenges people may face, and are very motivated to provide help and support to the community.

Paramedics will be on hand this weekend in the centre of Gay Village (Getty Images)

"We will be supporting the city’s night-time economy and taking pressure off NHS services by providing first aid and medical treatment on the scene, wherever possible."

Ahead of the weekend, the charity also warned of the main telltale signs of being spiked.

These include a loss of balance, fatigue, lowering of inhibitions, visual problems, confusion and vomiting.

It also encouraged club-goers to stay with friends, never leave drinks unattended and not accept any drinks they don't witness being poured at the bar.

Volunteer paramedics will be on hand on Sackville Street, opposite Mc Tuckey's takeaway from 9 pm to 4 am, tonight (October 29) and tomorrow (October 30).

The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) was also approached for comment by the M.E.N.

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