AN innovative campaign designed to reduce sexual violence or harassment in pubs and clubs in Warrington is being rolled out across the borough.
The scheme – backed by the borough council – provides a way for those who feel vulnerable to discreetly get help from bar staff.
The “Ask for Angela” scheme will be available at participating venues across Warrington.
The idea is that people – perhaps on a first date or with someone they have just met – can go to the bar and “ask for Angela.”
Use of the phrase will alert staff to the fact that the individual feels vulnerable and wants to be separated from the person making them feel unsafe.
They can then be taken aside, or to a safer location, so they can speak in confidence to that staff member about what assistance they need. “Angela” is a play on the word (guardian) angel.
Options available to staff include: offering to call a taxi for the individual, contacting their friends or family or requesting that a
the individual causing the distress leaves the venue.
Advisory posters have been provided to licensed premises in Warrington who are encouraged to put them in the toilets and provide reassurance there is support available if needed.
The initiative – originally launched by Lincolnshire County Council – has already proved successful with 44 venues participating in the scheme.
Cllr Judith Guthrie (pictured), the council’s lead member for public protection, said: “This is a simple yet effective scheme which empowers people to seek help if they are feeling vulnerable. It may be that they are in the company of someone who is not what they seemed and they want to get away safely and with minimum fuss. This will hopefully prevent situations from escalating into something more serious.”
Already the pilot has raised awareness among staff and encouraged them to look out for potentially vulnerable customers. It is hoped customers will be reassured that staff are open to offering discreet assistance.
