About me
My name is Bethany White, a 21-year-old Multimedia Journalism student at Bournemouth University, originally from Bristol, with big ambitions of one day becoming a war correspondent.
I’m passionate about giving a voice to those who often go unheard, telling their stories, opinions, and perspectives to the world.
In 2022, I was honoured to have won the BBC Young Reporter competition as a national winner, which gave me the opportunity to share my work on the BBC News website and even be interviewed by Naga Munchetty on BBC Radio 5 Live. It was an unforgettable experience that confirmed my passion for impactful journalism.
I’m particularly drawn to online features and multimedia storytelling — bringing together written, visual and audio elements to create rich, immersive journalism.
Whether it’s reporting from conflict zones in the future or shining a light on hidden stories today, my goal is simple: to help people express themselves and be heard.
About this project
“The Hidden Aftermath: Exploring the Long-Term Effects of Drink Spiking” is a multimedia feature inspired by both research and personal experience to explore the lasting impact of drink spiking. After being spiked myself last year at a festival and living through the heavy emotional and physical aftermath, I realised how little attention is given to what happens once the initial shock of the incident fades.
There is plenty online about drink spiking itself, but far less about the anxiety, mistrust and trauma many victims experience long after. That silence inspired me to explore the hidden consequences of spiking and to raise awareness of its lasting impact.
This project features survivors willing to share their stories, proving to others that being spiked is not embarrassing, not shameful and absolutely not your fault. It also highlights charities, prevention tools like StopTopps and campaigns such as Stamp Out Spiking and #EndSpikingNow, which are working to change culture and protect people.
Through interviews, audio, video and online storytelling, this project aims to encourage conversations, support victims, and promote meaningful change.