Between parties and pubs, students don't always have a safe space to learn about alcohol.

On January 21 in The Out Back Shack, Jennifer Gillespie, Fanshawe's campus life facilitator, is aiming to change that.

Inspired by the YOLO event at the University of Toronto — Mississauga, Gillespie put together a free-to-attend alcohol awareness event, Raise Your Spirits, which she described as a “peer-led alcohol awareness program.”

“Student leaders lead different activities that overall help [students] understand alcohol and its effects.”

Volunteers from the Fanshawe student body will lead other students through games and exercises to teach them about pouring standard- sized drinks, strategies for safe drinking, helping intoxicated friends and the signs of alcohol poisoning. It's also a safe place to practice saying no to peer pressure, Gillespie said.

“The peer-led YOLO event is a great way for student to come and learn, firsthand, some strategies for responsible partying,” she continued. “Through fun and interactive games, the event provides a safe space where students can share with peers and learn from each other ways that help keep friends and themselves safe while having a good time.”

Check out Raise Your Spirits in The Out Back Shack on January 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. for food, prizes, goody bags and fun.