'Ask For Angela' campaign coming to Sheffield
Bar staff in Sheffield are being trained to help people escape their venues if they're in situations they don't feel comfortable with.
A new campaign's giving a way out to people who find themselves feeling unsafe in Sheffield's bars and clubs.
People are going to be encouraged to 'Ask for Angela' at the bar if they're worried about a situation they're in - that's a code phrase meaning they want staff to discreetly help them leave.
It's hoped it could help people who find themselves in trouble when on online dates or being sexually harassed when on their own.
Alison Higgins, Domestic Abuse Strategic Manager at Sheffield City Council, says it'll make a real difference:
“This is about keeping people safe and offering a discreet way for them to ask for help if they’re on a night out and getting unwanted attention or are out on a date and something doesn’t feel right. This is particularly important with the rise of internet dating and dating apps.
“We’re providing training to pubs, bars and nightclubs, and want as many as possible to take part.
“Sheffield has a busy, thriving and safe night-time economy and we work closely with venues through our Best Bar None scheme. This campaign is a further way to help people when they’re out at night.”
Ask For Angela launched in Lincolnshire last year, developed by Lincolnshire County Council, and gained global attention after a social media post about it went viral.
Meera Kulkarni, Chief Executive of Sheffield Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, said:
“Sheffield Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre is delighted to support the Ask Angela campaign in Sheffield.
“We want everyone to feel safe and enjoy their nights out wherever they are in the City. Whether it’s a date with someone you met online that doesn’t feel quite right or a night out with mates. If someone is commenting or behaving in a way that is disrespectful, unwelcome, threatening and/or harassing, it’s not ok.
“The Ask for Angela campaign will ensure that bar staff help support you and enable you to leave safely if that’s what you want. People might feel embarrassed about ‘making a fuss’ or be seen to be over- reacting but if you feel unsafe – it’s not ok. Whether you’re a woman or man, straight or gay – if you need help – Ask for Angela.”
Bars and clubs are being urged to sign up for training that's taking place this week for the campaign - before it officially goes live later in the month
Nick Simmonite's from the Frog and Parrot in Sheffield who are taking part - he says it could spread across the city:
"Sometimes, on occasion, you just get a sense that something's not quite right. If you're feeling uncomfortable, go to the bar, get yourself a drink, and see if Angela's working - 'Is Angela in?', 'Oh yeah, she's in the back. Do you wanna pop through and have a chat?' We can call a taxi or simply remove the individual who's causing concern."
"Let's roll this out - let's see what our policies and procedures look like in those couple of a dozen bars and then roll it forward - are we on board with the Ask for Angela campaign? I daresay that all the bars in the city centre will give you an affirmative nod and say 'yeah, of course we are.' "