A special ‘girls only’ night is happening in Manchester to raise awareness of spiking

As drink spiking incidents continue to rise across Manchester, one young woman has taken matters into her own hands to help those affected by the heinous crime. 

Girls Night Out, hosted by The Black Friar pub tomorrow evening, will give guests the opportunity to come together and enjoy an evening of music, dancing, games, drinks and, most importantly, safety.  All proceeds raised from the event will be donated to Women’s Aid Manchester at The Pankhurst Trust, the city’s most prominent domestic violence charity.

Megan Landi is the brains behind the event; the twenty-two year old, from Sale, has her own history with domestic violence having being in an abusive relationship at the age of just fifteen.

Yet despite the trauma from this three-year-long relationship, which involved her being spiked by her boyfriend, Megan has since found the strength to help others in similar situations.

Speaking to Proper Manchester, she explained: “I was in an abusive relationship for three years as a teenager, and it really challenged me and forced me into adulthood at an early age.”

Megan, who now works as a personal trainer, went on to detail how the recent rise in drink spiking across Manchester spurred her to not only raise awareness of the issue, but to offer a helping hand to others who have been impacted.

She said: “Both my friends and my clients would tell me how they were frightened to go on nights out and it just aggravated me. I guess I’ve got enough strength and confidence to promote this issue now, because I didn’t in the past.”

Speaking more on the event, Megan revealed that Chief SuperIntendent Nikki Porter from Greater Manchester Police will be standing in as a guest speaker to offer information and advice for those concerned about both drink spiking and domestic abuse.

Meg Landi

Megan explained: “SuperIntendent Porter is trying to give the girls and women of Manchester a safe place to go if they’re ever spiked, because there’s sadly a stigma attached to reporting these crimes and victim-blaming.

“She’ll be reassuring us that we can go to the police if anything like that happens and that we can trust the police. She’ll also be giving out some advice on drink spiking, and what to do if you or your friends are spiked. “

Janina J will also be on hand performing a live DJ set throughout the evening, while The Black Friar has organised an all-female workforce especially for the event.

Girls Night Out will be taking place at The Black Friar Salford on Thursday November 25th at 6pm. Tickets are priced at £19.99 per person and include a drink on arrival and a meal. All proceeds will be donated to Women’s Aid Manchester. 

Click here for tickets and more information.