Stay safe in town centres with ‘Angela’
We’re reminding those enjoying town centre night life to stay safe by asking for ‘Angela’ if needed.
Look out for adverts appearing across social media channels over the coming weeks that highlight the safety scheme. Each ad has been filmed at a local venue and features a real-life situation when Angela may be useful; a first date that isn’t working out, losing friends in a nightclub and a lone male who feels under threat.
Our thanks to Revolutions (Huddersfield), Capri (Mirfield) and The Rising Sun (Liversedge) for allowing us to film at their venues.
About Ask for Angela
Ask for Angela is a national safety scheme, launched in Kirklees in December 2021. Over 100 venues in town centres across Kirklees including pubs, clubs, restaurants and local libraries now support the scheme.
By simply asking for ‘Angela’ at participating venues a person can indicate they need help to get out of a situation where they may feel unsafe or vulnerable.
Venue staff will take discreet action like reuniting the person with friends, calling a taxi or providing a safe space.
Whilst primarily introduced for women, the scheme can be used by anyone.
Councillor Mussarat Pervaiz, Cabinet Member for Communities said:
“The night time economy in Kirklees has a lot to offer visitors, with many people heading to our town centres to enjoy the restaurants, pubs, bars and clubs. This is especially true in Huddersfield where we also have a large student population.
“We want everyone to have a good night and stay safe. Ask for Angela has been around for a while and whilst we hope no one needs to use it, it’s good to remind people of the scheme, especially as the darker nights are here.
“Ask for Angela is a simple but effective idea, and provides reassurance that you’re not on your own. If you find yourself in a vulnerable situation, ask venue staff at participating venues for ‘Angela’ and you’ll get the help you need.
“I’d like to thank businesses for supporting Ask for Angela which bolsters the feeling of safety for their customers and plays an important part in helping to keep our towns safe for everyone to enjoy.
“We continue to collaborate with local partners, including the Police, to increase safety confidence. As well as Ask for Angela you’ll find the Night Safety Bus in Huddersfield town centre and our Night Marshals are on regular patrol to help anyone who’s in a vulnerable situation while enjoying a night out too.”
Other ways to stay safe on a night out
The Night Safety Bus is a regular service in Huddersfield Town Centre, providing a safe space and support for those enjoying the night life. The bus is staffed by the drug and alcohol support service Change Grow Live Kirklees.
Street Marshalls are also on regular patrol to support busy town centre nights, helping people as they move from one bar to another, and acting as a reassuring presence that helps to minimise crime.
For more night safety advice go to www.kirklees.gov.uk/night-safety
Run a local venue interested in supporting the Ask for Angela campaign?
Email Leathea Donaldson (Leathea.donaldson@kirklees.gov.uk) at Safer Kirklees for more information.