A Safer Start: Staying Safe on New Year’s Eve and Beyond
New Year’s Eve is one of the most exciting nights of the year - a time to celebrate, reflect and welcome a fresh start. But it’s also one of the busiest: streets are more crowded, public transport runs late, venues are packed, and many people travel home in the early hours.
At imabi, we believe celebrating shouldn’t come at the cost of feeling unsafe. With a little planning and awareness, everyone can enjoy the night and start the new year feeling confident, supported and connected.
🎉 Why New Year’s Eve Needs Extra Safety Awareness
Across the UK, New Year’s Eve consistently sees:
Increased night-time travel and late journeys
Busier town centres and transport hubs
Higher alcohol consumption
More pressure on emergency and frontline services
For some, it’s a joyful night out. For others, shift workers, students, solo travellers, it can be a challenging time. Being prepared helps reduce risk and supports everyone in getting home safely.
Practical Tips for a Safer New Year’s Eve
🚶♀️ Before You Head Out
Plan your journey home in advance, including last transport times and alternative routes
Charge your phone fully and consider carrying a portable charger
Let someone know your plans, especially if you’re meeting new people or travelling alone
Dress for the conditions, especially as it’s winter and weather can change quickly
🧑🤝🧑 While You’re Out
Stick together where possible and agree meeting points if you get separated
Keep an eye on each other, especially in busy or unfamiliar places
Trust your instincts: if something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from the situation and report it
Look out for others: a simple check-in can make a big difference
🌙 Getting Home Safely
Avoid rushing - give yourself time to travel calmly and safely
Use well-lit routes and stay aware of your surroundings
Share your journey with someone you trust so they know you’ve arrived safely
Report concerns early, whether it’s anti-social behaviour, unsafe conditions or something that doesn’t feel right
📱 How imabi Helps You Stay Safer
Safety doesn’t end when the celebrations do. imabi Travel Guardian is designed to support safer journeys and everyday wellbeing - on New Year’s Eve and beyond.
With Travel Guardian, you can:
🧭 Share your journey and arrival with trusted contacts
🚨 Report concerns or anti-social behaviour simply and discreetly
📍 Use location-based features to stay informed about your surroundings
🧠 Access trusted safety guidance and support resources
Whether you’re heading out to celebrate, travelling home late, or returning to routine in the days that follow, imabi helps you stay connected and supported.
🧡 Looking Beyond New Year’s Eve
A safer start to the year isn’t just about one night - it’s about the habits we carry forward.
As routines return in January, small actions like sharing journeys, reporting concerns early, and checking in on others help build safer communities for everyone. When safety becomes part of everyday life, not just moments of risk, confidence grows and so does connection.
🌍 A Shared Responsibility
Safety is never just personal. It’s shared between friends, families, communities, employers and local services. At imabi, we work alongside councils, transport operators, educators and businesses to make safety simple, accessible and part of daily life.
Together, we can make this new year one where:
People feel confident travelling alone
Communities are better connected
Concerns are raised early and acted on
Everyone feels supported wherever they are
✨ Start the New Year Safer
However you’re celebrating, or if you’re working, commuting or staying in, we wish you a safe, positive start to the year.
