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'Spiking took away control of my mind and body'

Saraya Haddad Woman with curly brown hair performing in a play. She is wearing a pink multi-coloured dress and has glitter under her eyes. Saraya Haddad
Saraya Haddad has written a play called Spiked, based on her own experience

When Saraya Haddad had her drink poisoned five years ago, it had a profound impact.

"I woke up 13 hours later, in my bed, with absolutely no clue how I got there or what had happened," the Birmingham University student from Stratford-upon-Avon told BBC Radio WM.

She has since written a play drawing on her experience, which she says remains relevant as new training comes in for venue security staff to keep people safe.

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has said the mandatory refresher training will give door supervisors and security guards up-to-date knowledge on topics including spiking.

"You feel like somebody has taken away your autonomy, you feel disempowered, you feel like that control over your mind and body has been gone," Ms Haddad said.

Her play Spiked, which she has performed in Birmingham and at the Edinburgh Fringe, explores Shakespeare’s The Tempest, revolving around a magician who uses his powers to colonise, control and puppeteer those around him.

Students at the University of Wolverhampton have created their own spiking campaign, agreeing that knowledge for door staff is key to keeping people safe.

Two women, one with long brown hair, glasses and a green jumper, one with brown hair cropped top and cardigan, standing next to a pink 'Have you been spiked poster.'
Sophie-Jade Blakeway and Courtney-Mae Allison have created their own spiking campaign to raise awareness

Courtney-Mae Allison said: "I think sometimes it's not necessarily that they don't know what to do, but they can be in a bit of a panic if they haven't got the correct training to make sure you get escorted out safely.

"The idea of 'are you sure you've just not had too much to drink?' That just needs to be thrown away.

"The person who's been through it knows how they feel, they know their limits because it's their body."

The refresher training was rolled out at the start of October, and by April 2025 will be compulsory for anyone renewing their licence.

Experts think it's the right move.

Woman with blue hair and blue top looking into camera. She has feather silver earrings in.
Dr Amy Burrell has been working on crime prevention and policing research for more than 20 years

Dr Amy Burrell currently collaborates with the industry regulator.

She said: "We need to be thinking about prevention, so stopping spiking in the first place.

"That means looking out for these things, and if you see it happening, reporting it."

The SIA said: "As well as introducing refresher training for door supervisors and security guards, we support them to take the Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement e-learning course to refresh their skills to effectively handle and respond to vulnerability in their surroundings."

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