AN emotive, high-impact campaign has been launched for Valentine's Day by a Tamworth safety group.

Don't Break My Heart aims to ensure people are free from domestic abuse by raising awareness about personal safety and the dangers they can face when dating or in new relationships.

The message from the Tamworth Community Safety Partnership will be driven home with a "safety day" in Amington on February 14.

"We take the issue of personal safety very seriously," said Cllr Michael Greatorex, cabinet member for safety at Tamworth Borough Council – a member of the partnership.

"Don't Break My Heart is a valuable addition to the other hard work which goes on to make Tamworth a safe place to live, and I would encourage people who feel they would benefit from it to go along and pick up important advice on staying safe."

Representatives from a range of services will be on hand to give advice on all issues relating to relationships at the safety day, which is being held at the Kerria Centre between 2pm and 5pm.

Support will be available for parenting skills, teenage pregnancy, healthy relationships and domestic abuse.

Workshops on these issues will also be held throughout the free event, which is open to all.

For those who cannot attend, the Community Safety Partnership has highlighted a few essential tips to follow to help people have a fun but safe Valentine's Day:

Replies to lonely hearts or online adverts should never include personal details – such as your address or surname. Caution should be taken when giving out phone numbers.

Meetings should be arranged in a busy public place and during the daytime.

Family or close friends should be notified of your whereabouts, who you are with and what time you will be home.

Do not invite dates to your home or accept a lift from them.

Pay attention to your instincts. If you feel uneasy about someone, do not give personal details or arrange a second date.

Have a back up plan – a friend who can contact you with a pretend emergency at an agreed time into the date. You can leave if you want to, and if you do not reply the friend will know you are in trouble.

Remember, alcohol and drug use will dull your awareness of danger and will make you look more vulnerable.