Brighton commuters given free 'Christmas party survival kits'

Commuters heading through Brighton train station this morning (Thursday 12th) have been surprised with Christmas party 'survival kits',

This week is said to be the most popular for festive office celebrations, with 31% going to a do in the next seven days.

Almost two in five (38%) plan to travel by train to their work Christmas party, meaning that many office workers will be heading home worse for wear.

Govia Thameslink Railway has been handing out the kits, featuring items designed to perk travellers up for their journey home, as well as helping weary heads the next day.

They include a sachet of instant coffee, breath mints, deodorant, an eye mask and sunglasses.

The move is designed to raise awareness about an increase in accidents that take place in train stations at this time of the year.

GTR data shows there were more than 150 incidents relating to slips and falls at stations last winter and there was also a rise in reports citing intoxication as a contributing factor.

Brighton and Gatwick Airport stations were named among the top five stations for slips, trips and falls between October and December last year.

Samantha Facey, ‘Elf, Safety and Security Director’ at Govia Thameslink Railway, said:

"With this week being the most popular time for office Christmas parties, we’re likely to see extra travellers, which is why we’re offering a helping hand with our ‘Survival’ Kits.

"We of course want our customers to go out and have fun, but with a year-on-year increase in slips, trips and falls on our network during winter, coupled with higher levels of intoxication, we want people to be careful when travelling and not to do anything that puts themselves, or anyone else, in danger."

Greg Blenkin, a Station Assistant for Govia Thameslink Railway, says that people tend to be more relaxed about safety rules during the festive period:

"We find that people are more interactive with staff over the festive period, but they can also be a bit too giddy. For example, going beyond the yellow safety line, going too close to trains that are pulling in and out of the station.

"We have to step in a bit more as you can see other customers getting concerned, but a lot of the time people are willing to listen.

"For those heading home after the annual office party, please carry a bottle of water with you and avoid running on the platforms.

"If you’re concerned about anything, please contact a member of staff or the British Transport Police."

The kits contain:

‘I survived my office Christmas party’ badge

Breath mints/chewing gum

Eco friendly deodorant

Sunglasses

Gel mask for under eyes

Rehydration/electrolyte sachet

Detox shot drink

Protein snack bar

Instant coffee sachet