We are so excited for Electric Picnic 2023. We want everyone who attends this amazing festival to feel safe and enjoy themselves while they are here.
We want you to know that your well-being is our number one priority.
There are several initiatives that offer support and guidance in both the campsites and the arena, and we’re proud to be partnering with some amazing organisations on some forward-thinking campaigns.
AIR HUBS
New for 2023, we’re introducing AIR Hubs across our campsites at Electric Picnic. They will provide a facility over and above the Info points that were situated in multiple locations in and amongst the camping areas. AIR is an acronym for ASSISTANCE, INFORMATION & RESPONSE and we will be working with local community groups and charities to run these hubs for us, with the support of our existing safeguarding and welfare partners at the festival. The groups involved with the Electric Picnic AIR Hubs to are NCBI, ISPCA, SOSAD Ireland, Turn2Me, Portarlington Women’s Shed, Teac Tom, Portlaoise AFC and Laois Cricket Club. There will be 11 of these in total, meaning you will never be too far away from a friendly face or listening ear when in the campsites. Air Hubs will be open 24 hours in all campsites, from Thursday through to Monday at 14:00.
‘The whole NCBI team is really excited about the part we’ll play at the Air Hub at this year’s Electric Picnic Festival. To have the opportunity to put NCBI front and centre to the thousands of people at the festival is something that excites us all, and we hope to be able to provide festival goers with everything they need to make the weekend as enjoyable as possible. Our tents are packed and ready to go!’ said Craig Holman, Volunteer Experience Manager with NCBI.
The National Council for the Blind Ireland will be providing a vintage pop-up shop in the Croí arena as well as managing one of the AIR Hubs on site.
SOSAD LAOIS Quote
“Being part of the AIR Hubs project at Electric Picnic will let SOSAD raise mental health awareness through music and art. We’ll connect with festival-goers, blending creativity and well-being for a meaningful impact.” Vicky Dalton from SOSAD Laois
Portarlington Women’s Shed
“Portarlington Women’s Shed was set up to provide a safe space for women to connect or reconnect. It’s hoped to help build a sense of empowerment through peer education and friendship. With over 80 members the Portarlington Women’s Shed is ready to give back to our community. Events like the Electric Picnic provide us with the opportunity to continue supporting our community” Maureen Jensen
WELFARE
EVENT WELLBEING
Event Wellbeing will be providing our welfare service here at Electric Picnic. If you are experiencing anxiety, struggling with any mental health concerns, or having a bad experience with drugs and alcohol then come and see them in the welfare tent in the Jimi Hendrix Campsite. The Welfare tent is open 24 hours over the weekend to get practical and emotional support. Their team provides a non-judgemental and confidential service and can talk through any concerns you may be having on site. They offer a monitored rest and recovery area if you’ve overdone it. Please go to the Welfare Tent if you experience any problems or need to talk to someone for any reason.
SAMARITANS
Samaritans will give you the time and space to talk things through so you can find a way through any problems. You can talk to them any time you like, in your own way, about whatever is getting to you and in complete confidence. Providing emotional support face-to-face on Friday from 21:00 to 02:00 am and again on Saturday/Sunday from 11:00 until 02:00. Available also 24/7 by freephone 116123 and email jo@samaritans.ie
HSE SOCIAL INCLUSION
The HSE is running a programme of anonymous drug testing as part of its ongoing ‘Safer Nightlife’ programme and drug harm reduction campaign. Volunteers will be on site giving advice on how to reduce the risks associated with drug use and assisting in emergencies. The HSE aims to obtain substances at a designated tent located back of house from people who choose to submit substances through the use of surrender bins anonymously. They can then identify and communicate if dangerous substances are in circulation via screen messaging and social media.
SATU
SATU’s services include a health check, medication and if requested a forensic exam in order to gain evidence. Members of the SATU will be on site during the festival. They will be giving out free condoms and also providing information on what services are available should a rape or assault take place as well as advice on reporting a rape or assault. Open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 13:00 to 20:00.
SEE CHANGE
See Change & Shine are an organisation dedicated to ending mental health stigma. They will be here to provide support and information to anyone who needs it. There will be a branded tent in Mindfield and they will be engaging festival-goers to talk about their green ribbon campaign, which is a symbol of the de-stigmatisation of mental illness. They are open Friday to Sunday from 11:00 to 20:00.
SAFE GIGS IRELAND
Safe Gigs Ireland is an initiative that advocates for the creation of a space free from discrimination and violence within the event environment. Members of Safe Gigs Ireland will be on site to assist in the implementation of EP Republic’s zero tolerance policy and to promote Safe Gigs for everyone. They will be located in the Main Arena. They are open Friday from 12:00 to 21:00 and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 21:00.
WOMEN’S AID Women’s Aid runs the #TooIntoYou campaign to support young people facing intimate relationship abuse. By bringing #TooIntoYou to Electric Picnic, Women’s Aid supports Festival Republic’s initiative to promote safer gigs and to help promote zero tolerance of sexual violence at its music festivals. Women’s Aid supports young people through their dedicated website toointoyou.ie. Their staff and volunteers will be at the Too Into You tent in the Main Arena throughout the weekend. They are open Friday from 12:00 to 20:00 and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00 and can provide you with information on supports available if you’re worried about your own or a friend’s relationship.
ASK FOR ANGELA
This year we are supporting the Ask for Angela campaign, which is operational at all our venues, bars and briefed to all staff members. We want to make sure help is ready and available to those who call upon it. We have seen this simple yet effective campaign prove successful at our festivals so far and want to continue this at Electric Picnic.
