The Pukkelpop music festival is launching 'We care a lot' (WCAL) for this year's edition: a separate zone dedicated to the well-being and safety of festival-goers.
On Saturday, the final training took place for all crew members. The volunteers come from the Flemish Cross, the Care Centre after Sexual Violence, UCLL, Plan International or Safe 'n Sound.
"About 100 WCAL volunteers participated in this training on first aid for drug intoxications, prevention of sexually inappropriate behaviour, the bystander effect and victim care. This year, there is an extra focus on drink-driving," Lena Boons, welfare coordinator at Pukkelpop, told Belga News Agency.
During the training event, they get to know each other and can share their expertise. The 100 volunteers were given a tour of the festival grounds so they know how to find the necessary landmarks when in contact with emergency services.
Awareness teams
"The WCAL stand was given a new, even more central location on the site, so that it is accessible and recognisable to even more people. In cooperation with the Belgian company Fline, Pukkelpop-goers can have their alcohol level tested for free during the festival. That way, we want to prevent people from driving under the influence," Boons said. "Besides the Care Centre after Sexual Violence, psychologists will also be present in every first aid post to assist people, if necessary."
Within the WCAL project, awareness-raising and information on topics such as hearing protection, healthy eating, alcohol, drugs and (sexually) inappropriate behaviour continues. "After the WCAL stand closes, mobile 'awareness teams' will be active until the end of the festival. These teams are in direct contact with security, forming extra eyes and ears on the site."
The WCAL emergency number remains unchanged (011 88 81 80) and can be reached 24 hours a day via Whatsapp or by phone. They can also use the Safety button in the Pukkelpop app. WCAL is an initiative of Pukkelpop, Extrema Outdoor, Rock Werchter, Festival Dranouter, Tomorrowland and Graspop Metal Meeting, among others.
