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Ask for Angela: Charity Boost for Night Out Safety
5 Nov
Summary
- Ask for Angela, a safety scheme for nights out, is now a charity.
- The charity aims to support more people feeling unsafe on nights out.
- The scheme has spread to Australia and aims for universal venue adoption.
The 'Ask for Angela' campaign has officially become a registered charity, a significant development aimed at enhancing its capacity to assist individuals feeling unsafe on nights out. Hayley Crawford, the scheme's founder, expressed pride in leading the newly formed 'Ask for Angela Foundation,' stating that its charity status will protect the initiative permanently and ensure its availability for future generations.
The foundation's new status is anticipated to encourage more venues to implement the 'Ask for Angela' program. Crawford highlighted that the charity will offer free resources, training, and support, making it easier for establishments to adopt the scheme without concerns about cost or complexity. The ultimate goal is for every venue to display 'Ask for Angela' posters in restrooms and for all staff to be knowledgeable about its protocols.
Originating 10 years ago in Lincoln pubs, 'Ask for Angela' allows discreet requests for help from staff when someone feels unsafe, enabling them to be moved to a secure area or assisted in leaving. The scheme has since gained traction across the UK and has been adopted in various Australian cities. Despite its reach, a BBC investigation in 2024 revealed failures in staff response in several London venues, prompting calls for governmental action.
Hollie, daughter of Angela Phillips, for whom the scheme is named, expressed pride in the initiative, noting its role in providing a sense of closure and safety for women in public spaces. Crawford believes the charity status will address implementation issues, providing venues with the confidence and support needed to fully integrate the scheme.
