Multi agency partnership encourages those attending Rock Ness 2010 to be prepared

As Rock Ness approaches its fifth year running, multi agency partners are reminding those attending to keep themselves healthy and safe to ensure they make the most of the weekend. 

Last year saw fewer crimes, serious incidents and health related matters than in previous year and the partnership hopes that this will continue for this year’s event.

Partners are urging those attending to improve their health and safety by preparing for the event; taking small measures such as ensuring they have all medication they require, taking a water carrier, sun lotion and contraceptives, as well as not taking any unnecessary risks whilst at Rock Ness 2010.

Suzy Calder, Substance Misuse Strategy and Implementation Manager from Highland Alcohol and Drug Partnership (HADP) supported the partnership working:  “Rock Ness is a highlight of the festival calendar for lots of music lovers and we want them to remember it for all the right reasons. Our message is for people to stay safe to enjoy the festival. Look after yourself and your friends.

“Drinking too much and drug use can leave people vulnerable. Mixing them both increases the risk of a real tragedy.  Our aim isn’t to spoil anyone’s fun but to encourage them not to spoil their whole weekend.  It’s important people remember they also need to eat and drink water, especially if it’s really warm. But we all know how quickly the weather can change in Highland so take warm clothes and wellies as well as sunscreen. Taking an extra few minutes to get ready for Rock Ness can be the difference between a real party and a real nightmare.”

Iain MacKay, Resilience Advisor for the Scottish Ambulance Service added:  “I speak for the British Red Cross and the Scottish Ambulance Service when I say that there are little things that those attending can do to avoid illness and ensure they receive the best medical care if required.

“For example, bringing sufficient prescribed medication and letting your friends know of any medical condition you have can help enormously if you become ill at the event.”

Lorraine Mann, Senior Health Promotion Specialist in Sexual Health said:  “At Rockness there’s music, there’s excitement, there’s bars and there are loads of attractive young (and not-so-young people) who may be out ‘on the pull’.  So it’s not surprising that sometimes people get a little carried away.  Unprotected sex can be the result.”

NHS Highland’s Sexual Health Promotion department is delighted that Terence Higgins Trust volunteers are going to be on site again this year with the addition of volunteers from Drugs Charity, Crew 2000.  They will be providing advice to those attending on their respective areas of expertise but the overall message from the partners is clear:  come prepared.
 
Lorraine Mann furthered:  “Most women will remember to take their regular contraception with them and both men and women should make sure they pack condoms, even if they don’t expect to be having sex over the course of the weekend.  Condoms will be available in case of emergencies again this year.”

Group Manager for Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service, Robert Scott commented:  “We are pleased to be involved, once again, to be part of a multi-agency partnership approach to this year’s event.

“From a Fire and Rescue Service perspective, we would encourage all those who attend the event to make themselves aware of all on-site fire safety messages and to take care with smoking materials, and when cooking.

“For those planning to cook or use naked flames, for safety reasons you must use the designated cooking areas only and for any outbreak of fire call 999 and notify the event security/fire wardens immediately.  We hope that all those who attend enjoy the event and remain safe.” 

Inverness City Manager David Haas said: “Rockness has established itself as one of the UK’s premiere festivals and we are preparing to welcome thousands of visitors to the city from all over the UK. The Highland Council has liaised closely with the organisers and other partner agencies in all aspects of this year’s event to ensure everyone coming along has a safe, healthy and memorable weekend.”

One of the improvements the partners have made, in conjunction with the organisers, is the ability to communicate important and useful information through the use of a large screen facing into the campsite area. 

Festival goers will be able to view the day’s weather forecast so they can take appropriate measures, as well as having useful tips to help them stay healthy and safe.

Northern Constabulary’s Event Commander, Superintendent Ian Arnott commented:  “Last year’s event saw a reduction in the number of thefts and serious incidents reported to us and we would want to see this continue this year.

“We want this to be a safe and secure event for festival goers but everyone must take a level of responsibility themselves.  Taking simple measures such as looking after your property can make a big difference to your weekend.

“Our role at the event is primarily to maximise the safety of those attending but we will be be adopting an intelligence-led, proactive approach to those engaging in criminal actions.

“I would also like to encourage anyone who witnesses or suspects criminal activity, such as drug dealing, to report it to the nearest Police Officer.”

Police this year are, once again, welcoming feedback from festival goers and have set up a dedicated email for anyone wishing to comment on the Policing at the event feedback @ northern.pnn.police.uk. 

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