Staying safe during the World Cup

Major sporting events like the World Cup can be an exciting time to come together with friends, family and communities.

However, we also know that for some people, these periods can bring increased pressures and challenges. This may be due to heightened emotions or increased advertising by gambling companies or alcohol brands. There may also be peer pressure to engage in activities which you would usually not take part in.

This may lead to a rise in domestic abuse, harmful gambling, substance misuse, and other wellbeing concerns.

If you or someone you know needs support, don’t wait—support is available.

Enjoy the World Cup. Celebrate safely. Support each other.

If You Need Help Now

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, always call 999.

If you cannot speak, you can use the Silent Solution by calling 999 and pressing 55 when prompted.

You can also contact:

  • NHS 111 for urgent health concerns
  • Samaritans (24/7 support): 116 123

On this page

Reporting a Crime/Concern

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, always call 999.

If you cannot speak, you can use the Silent Solution by calling 999 and pressing 55 when prompted.

If the danger is not imminent but you wish to report a crime or concern call 101 or use the Sussex Police online reporting mechanism - Report | Sussex Police

Sexual violence

Survivors’ Network offer emotional and practical support to survivors of sexual violence and abuse in Sussex. 

Get in touch:

Reporting rape or sexual assault can be difficult, and there are many reasons why people choose not to report. It is always your choice.

If you're unsure, this page may help you decide - Help if you're not sure whether to report rape or sexual assault | Sussex Police.

If you are ready to report - How to report rape, sexual assault or other sexual offences | Sussex Police.

Hate crime

A hate crime is any crime motivated by hostility or prejudice based on:
  • Disability
  • Race or ethnicity
  • Religion or belief
  • Sexual orientation
  • Transgender identity
Reporting a hate crime can help protect others and supports the police to better understand and respond to incidents in your area - Report hate crime | Sussex Police

Staying Safe on Nights Out

If you’re watching matches in pubs, bars or public spaces:

  • Plan how you’ll get home safely, whether alone or with others
  • Look out for your friends
  • Never leave drinks unattended
  • Speak to staff if you feel unsafe

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.

Spiking

Spiking is when someone gives you alcohol or drugs without your knowledge or consent, for example in a drink or by injection.

Symptoms can vary, but may feel like being much more intoxicated than expected. If you feel unwell or unsafe, seek help immediately. If you are seriously unwell, call 999 or ask someone to get emergency medical help.

You can report spiking to Sussex Police, even if you don’t want forensic testing or an investigation.

Report spiking | Sussex Police

Driving under the influence of alcohol

Driving under the influence of alcohol (drink-driving) affects reaction times, vision and coordination. In England and Wales, the legal limit is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. Being over the limit can lead to a driving ban, a fine and possible imprisonment.

Alcohol-related road incidents often increase during major sporting events.

How to avoid drink-driving:

  • Plan your journey home in advance
  • Use public transport where possible
  • Save local taxi numbers in your phone

Be aware that transport options may be limited depending on match times.

Personal safety

If you’re walking home alone, here are some ways to stay safe:

  • Share your location with a trusted contact (e.g. Find My or Find My Device)
  • Arrange to message or call someone when you get home
  • Strut Safe is a UK phone line offering a friendly voice if you feel unsafe walking alone - find details here: Strut Safe
  • Hollie Guard is a personal safety app that can alert your emergency contacts with your location, audio and video - find out more here: Hollie Guard

Domestic Abuse Support

We know that incidents of domestic abuse can increase during major football tournaments.

Domestic abuse can include:

  • Physical, emotional, psychological or sexual abuse
  • Controlling or coercive behaviour
  • Financial abuse

You are not alone, and it is not your fault.

Support is available whether you are:

  • Experiencing abuse
  • Worried about someone else
  • Looking to change your own behaviour

Support available:

Gambling Support

The World Cup can lead to increased betting and gambling activity, with gambling companies targeting their advertising during the tournament via TV and social media.

For some people, this can become difficult to manage and affect finances, relationships and mental health.

Signs you may need support:

  • Spending more than you planned or can afford
  • Chasing losses
  • Feeling stressed or anxious about gambling

Signs your family and friends may need support:

  • Sudden changes of mood whilst watching matches
  • Betting on many games daily
  • Checking phone constantly for scores, hiding betting apps

Support available:

Financial Support and Cost of Living

Spending can increase during the World Cup, including on:

  • Travel and tickets
  • Food and drink
  • Gambling or subscriptions

Considering how late some games start, you may feel peer pressure to stay out later or longer than you planned. This could lead to spending outside of your means and ending up in debt. If you are worried about money or debt, support is available.

Support available:

Alcohol and Substance Use

Celebrations and match days can often involve alcohol or drug use.

If this starts to have a negative impact on your health, behaviour or relationships, support is available.

Signs you may need support:

  • You often feel the need to have a drink or use drugs
  • You get into trouble because of your alcohol or substance use
  • Other people warn you about how much you are drinking or using drugs
  • You think your drinking or drug use is causing you problems

You can get help with:

  • Reducing or stopping alcohol use
  • Drug and substance support
  • Supporting a loved one

Support available:

Stop Smoking Support

The World Cup is full of excitement, passion, and big moments—making it a perfect time to focus on winning your own goal of quitting smoking. While high-energy matches and social gatherings might tempt you to light up, use the tournament as motivation to stay strong and celebrate each smoke-free day as a victory. Every match is a fresh start—just like every craving you overcome.

Free Stop Smoking Support is available 24/7 across East Sussex. Celebrate the World Cup by backing yourself—each smoke-free moment is a goal worth cheering

Support available:

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Big events can bring emotional highs and lows. You might feel:

  • Stressed or anxious
  • Low or overwhelmed
  • Isolated if you are not engaging with others

It’s okay to ask for help.

Support available:

Online Safety and Abuse

Online abuse can increase around major sporting events.

This can include:

  • Harassment or threats
  • Hate speech
  • Controlling behaviour online

Reporting and support available:

Supporting Children and Families

During major events like the World Cup, children and young people may be affected by:

  • Conflict in the home
  • Alcohol-related behaviour from parents or caregivers
  • Substance use in the home

Children and families | East Sussex County Council

To report a concern about a child or teenager, contact East Sussex County Council's Single Point of Access: 01323 464222

Open Monday to Thursday from 8:30am to 5pm, and Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm.

If you have a serious concern and cannot wait for the next working day, call the Emergency Duty Service: 01273 335905

Open after 5pm on weekdays, and all day on weekends and bank holidays.

Child to Parent/ Carer Aggression (CPA)

Families may also be affected by CPA and/or harmful behaviours. 

Support available: