Safety Tips
Last Updated: 19 Aug 2026
Offline is about making it easier to spend time with people in real life.
Sometimes that means joining a plan with someone you don't know personally yet, perhaps someone from your university, society, sports club, community or group chat.
If you're seeing these Safety Tips because someone in a plan isn't your friend on Offline yet, please take a moment to read this document as you may be meeting someone new. Sharing a community or group chat gives you some context about how you're connected, but it isn't the same as knowing someone personally. Use your judgement and take the same precautions you would when meeting anyone new.
1. Before you go
• Meet somewhere public or as part of a group. If you haven't met someone before, a public place or group plan is a good place to start.
• Tell someone where you're going. Let a friend, housemate or family member know your plans and roughly when you expect to be back.
• Know how you're getting home. Try not to rely on someone you've just met for your journey home, so you can leave whenever you want.
• Keep personal information personal. You don't need to share your home address, workplace, financial information or other sensitive details with someone you've just met.
• Check the plan before you go. Plans change. If the location, people attending or nature of the plan changes and you're no longer comfortable with it, you don't have to go.
2. While you're out
• Trust your judgement. If something doesn't feel right, you can leave. You don't owe anyone an explanation for removing yourself from a situation you're uncomfortable with.
• Keep an eye on your belongings and drinks. Don't leave drinks unattended or accept a drink from someone you don't trust.
• Look out for each other. If you're out as a group, keep an eye on your friends and the people you're with.
• Know your limits. Alcohol and other substances can affect awareness and decision-making.
• Ask for help if you need it. Friends, venue staff, security, the police and emergency services can all help depending on the situation.
2.1. If you think you may have been spiked
Tell someone you trust or a member of venue staff as soon as possible and get somewhere safe.
If you suddenly feel much more intoxicated or unwell than you expected, don't leave alone with someone you don't know or trust.
If you are in immediate danger or need urgent medical assistance, call 999 or 112.
3. Respect boundaries
Meeting people should be easy, and not feel like pressure.
• Respect someone's decision to join, leave or change their mind about a plan.
• Don't pressure anyone to drink, take substances or do something they don't want to do.
• Respect physical boundaries. Consent should be freely given and someone can change their mind at any time.
• Don't make unwanted advances or behave in a threatening, abusive, discriminatory or harassing way.
• Respect the rules of the venue, university, club, society or community you're meeting through.
4. A shared community isn't the same as friendship
Offline can connect you with people through communities, group chats and plans.
Seeing that you share a university, society, team, hall, club or other community can help explain how you're connected.
It doesn't mean you personally know that person or that other members of the community are vouching for them.
If you haven't met someone before, treat them as someone new even if you have mutual connections.
5. Protect yourself online too
• Don't send money to someone you don't know or trust. If a plan involves tickets, deposits or payments, check the details first.
• Never share passwords or verification codes.
• Be careful with sensitive information such as your address, financial details or daily routine.
• Be cautious of pressure or unusual requests. Requests for money, impersonation, threats, harassment, spam or suspicious accounts should be reported.
6. Blocking and reporting
You can use Offline's Block and Report tools if someone's behaviour makes you uncomfortable or you don't want them contacting you.
Report serious concerns including:
• Harassment or threats
• Unwanted advances
• Violence or dangerous behaviour
• Discrimination or hate
• Fraud or impersonation
• Suspicious or seriously inappropriate behaviour
If you believe a crime has taken place, you can also report it directly to the police.
Reporting something to Offline is not a replacement for contacting emergency services when someone is in immediate danger.
7. If something feels wrong
You never have to stay at a plan because you said you were coming, because other people expect you to be there or because you've already travelled there.
Leave the situation, contact someone you trust or ask people nearby for help.
In an emergency
If you or someone else is in immediate danger in the UK, call 999 or 112.
For non-emergency police matters, call 101.
Offline is not an emergency service.
UK support
If something has happened to you, there are organisations outside Offline that can help too.
Crime and personal safety
Victim Support, England & Wales
Free support for people affected by crime.
0808 16 89 111 - 24/7
Sexual violence
Rape Crisis England & Wales
0808 500 2222 — 24/7
Rape Crisis Scotland
08088 01 03 02 — every day, 5pm–midnight
Domestic abuse
England — National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge
Support for women experiencing domestic abuse.
0808 2000 247 — 24/7
Wales — Live Fear Free
Support and advice relating to domestic abuse and sexual violence.
0808 80 10 800 — 24/7
Scotland — Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
0800 027 1234 — 24/7
Northern Ireland — Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline
0808 802 1414 — 24/7
LGBT+ support
Galop — National LGBT+ Helpline
Support for LGBT+ people experiencing abuse or violence.
0800 999 5428
Emotional support
Samaritans
If you're struggling or just need someone to talk to.
116 123 — free to call
Report on Offline
If something happens through Offline that you think we should know about, use the reporting tools in the app or contact Offline Support.
If someone is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services first.
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