DanceWize© (formerly known as RaveSafe)is a program of HRVic that utilises a peer education model to reduce drug and alcohol-related harm at Victorian dance parties, festivals, nightclubs and events.
Our volunteer Key Peer Educators (KPEs) attend music events and festivals,
hosting a chill-out space for festival goers; providing a quiet, low stimulus, relaxation space where patrons can take time out, discuss safer alcohol and other drug use with peers and receive or be referred to different health resources.
The DanceWize goal is to provide our peers with accurate, credible information through face-to-face discussion or through the provision of resources (which always include information about the potential harms associated with illicit and licit drug use).
Our KPEs are recruited from the dance party, festival, and nightclub communities, and are trained by experts in the field to equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to engage with and refer peers to other services where appropriate.
While DanceWize team members undergo first aid training, the DanceWize chill-out space is not a first-aid facility. We use this area to engage our peers and to look after patrons who might need care and support. DanceWize KPEs use their lived experience and knowledge to provide space for peers having challenging experiences. Anyone needing medical attention is referred to the onsite health provider, which we work closely with.