People who feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened can now discreetly get help in a raft of pubs and bars across North Lincolnshire.
Ask for Angela is aimed at anyone getting unwanted attention in a local pub or other venue but feels unable to seek help – all they have to do is approach a staff member and ask for “Angela”.
Staff at signed-up venues have been trained and will know the person needs help. They will then help get them out of the situation without fuss.
This could mean taking them to a safe space, calling a taxi, reuniting them with a friend, alerting security or even calling the emergency services.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, welcomed the scheme: “This scheme is a great example of businesses working together with the police and others to reassure and protect people. Anyone who feels they are in an uncomfortable situation while out and about can just Ask For Angela.
“You might be on a date that isn’t working out, or with people who won’t take ‘no’ for an answer – by speaking to a member of staff and asking for Angela, you can alert others and help keep yourself safe.”
Ask For Angela is being promoted by the North Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership (CSP), which includes North Lincolnshire Council, Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue, Ongo, the National Probation Service, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB and the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner.
Police and Crime Commissioner Cllr Jonathan Evison said: “The Ask for Angela scheme is a really good system that allows people to discreetly ask for help when in a difficult situation.
“This is a national scheme that is now being rolled out across the whole of Humberside and is already being effectively used in night time economy establishments.”
Chief Superintendent Matt Peach of Humberside Police said: “This is an excellent scheme that the CSP are pleased to support.
“As a partnership we are committed to ensuring people enjoy themselves on a night out but should any issues arise that they feel safe.
“Nationally this initiative has been shown to be simple, yet effective, that those who may find themselves in a vulnerable situation ensures they have a discreet way of asking for help. We are all committed to enhancing the support in North Lincolnshire.”
Venues that have signed up the scheme include The Tavern, The Blue Bell, Schnapps bar, Class 6 and Café Indie in Scunthorpe and The Woolpack, The Black Bull, and The White Horse in Brigg.
Any business taking part displays Ask For Angela posters.
(Elisha Ronald, Senior Safer Neighbourhoods Officer, PCC Jonathan Evison and Cllr Rob Waltham display Ask For Angela and White Ribbon posters)
