Enjoy the game. Stay safe. Look out for each other.

Alcohol can affect judgement, behaviour and decision-making, increasing the risk of accidents, conflict and harm.

More people are choosing to pace their drinking during matches, it helps you enjoy the whole game and feel better the next day.

Simple ways to stay in control:

• Set your limit before the match starts
• Alternate drinks with water
• Choose alcohol-free options
• Avoid mixing alcohol with drugs, as this can increase your risk of harm

Stay safer when socialising:

• Keep your drink safe to reduce the risk of spiking – never leave it unattended
• Only accept drinks from people you trust
• Stay with friends and look out for each other
• If you feel unwell or unsafe, tell a friend, venue staff or seek help immediately.

If you’re unsure about your drinking, taking a quick check can help you understand your habits.

👉 Take the Drink Coach alcohol test for Devon

Big matches, nights out and alcohol can make drug use more likely and harder to manage.

Drug use affects how you think and act, making unsafe situations more likely. Mixing drugs increases these risks.

• Alcohol and stimulants (e.g. cocaine) – increases strain on your body and heart and can increase aggression, anxiety or paranoia.
• Alcohol and prescription drugs – depressants (e.g. Valium) can cause dizziness, slow breathing and increase the risk of overdose and death.

Find out everything you need to know about drugs, mixing, their affects and the law.

If you do decide to use drugs, reduce risk:

• If you’re out, then don’t use alone and stay with people you trust
• If you’re trying something, then start low and go slow
• If others are mixing substances, then avoid joining in
• If something doesn’t feel right, then stop and check in with your mates
• If you’re unsure what something is, then don’t take it

Drugs can vary in strength and are often mixed with other substances without you knowing – drastically increasing the risk.

Need advice or support?

👉 Talk to FRANK

👉 Find local support

Major events like the World Cup can lead to increased smoking, as excitement, socialising, alcohol and match-day tension can trigger cravings.

If you’ve found yourself smoking more during games, you’re not alone. Support can help you stay smoke free, even during the most intense games.

Get the support you need:

👉 Download the Smoke Free app and get started today

👉 Find local support in Devon

Big events can increase the urge and pressure to spend and gamble.

Major sporting events can increase the urge to bet, and especially with more advertising and social pressure.

Gambling is designed to encourage spending more time and money, this can affect your finances, relationships and wellbeing.

If you do gamble, stay in control:

• Set time and spending limits
• Only gamble with what you can afford to lose
• Avoid chasing losses
• Take regular breaks

Watch for warning signs:

• Spending more money or time gambling than you planned
• Chasing losses or borrowing money to fund bets
• Feeling anxious, irritable or low when you are not gambling
• Hiding bets or bank activity from a partner or family member
• Using gambling to cope with stress, loneliness or difficult feelings
• Feeling like you need a bet to make a match feel exciting
• Missing payments, falling into debt or lying about money

Understanding the risks early can help you stay in control and avoid harm. Taking time to reflect on your habits – and talking openly about gambling – can also make a difference.

Whatever the product or operator, the odds are designed in their favour. And if they win, you lose.

👉 If you or someone you know is affected by gambling harms, free and confidential support is available.

Heightened emotions can increase the risk of conflict and harm in relationships.

Sport doesn’t cause domestic abuse, but incidents can increase during major tournaments.

No result, alcohol or moment of frustration is ever an excuse for abusive behaviour.

We’re supporting the Blow the Whistle campaign, which encourages everyone to recognise the signs of harm, call out abusive behaviour, and check in on anyone you’re concerned about.

Knowing the signs of domestic abuse can help you spot when someone may need support.

If you’re worried about someone:

• Check in safely
• Share information about support
• Report concerns anonymously if needed

If you’re experiencing abuse, you are not alone – and it’s not your fault.

👉 Find help and support on the Safer Devon website

Thinking ahead can help keep you – and others – safe after the final whistle.

Thinking ahead helps keep everyone safe. Before you go out, decide how you’re getting home and stick to it.

• Plan your journey before you go out
• Never drink or take drugs and drive
• Arrange transport in advance
• Look out for friends and make sure everyone gets home safely

We’re supporting the THINK! 0% campaign – more drivers are choosing 0% alcohol if they’re driving or planning another way home in advance, because even small amounts of alcohol can affect your ability to drive safely.

Keeping your phone charged and agreeing a meeting point can also help you stay safe if you get separated.

👉 Plan your journey with Traveline SW