Ask for Angela

Discreet Help When You Need It Most

Ask for Angela Poster Ask for Angela Training

Southend Nights Southend Nights

What Is Ask for Angela?

Ask for Angela is a nationally recognised safety initiative designed to help individuals discreetly leave uncomfortable or potentially dangerous situations in licensed venues. In Southend-on-Sea, participating venues display the “Ask for Angela” signage and train staff to respond quickly and sensitively. If someone feels unsafe, they can simply ask a member of staff for “Angela,”.This discreet code signals that the person needs assistance, no questions asked, no fuss.

Southend-on-Sea adopted Ask for Angela as part of its commitment to creating a safer night-time economy. The initiative works alongside local partners, including Essex Police, Southend Pubwatch, and Southend-on-Sea City Council, to ensure that nights out in the city are enjoyable and secure for everyone.

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How It Works

nightlifeA customer who feels unsafe — whether on a date, with a stranger, or in a threatening situation — can approach staff and say: “Is Angela working tonight?”
nightlifeStaff trained in WAVE (Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement) protocols will respond discreetly by:
nightlifeEscorting the person to a safe space
nightlifeCalling a taxi or contacting a friend
nightlifeAlerting venue security or police if needed

Venues participating in the scheme often display posters in restrooms or public areas to raise awareness and reassure patrons that help is available.

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National Reach and Local Relevance

ShopSAFE is coordinated by Southend BID in partnership with:

nightlifeOver 400 venues in Northern Ireland alone have adopted the scheme
nightlifeThe campaign is part of broader efforts to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and promote safer nightlife
nightlifeIt is gender-inclusive, supporting anyone who feels vulnerable, regardless of identity

In Southend, Ask for Angela complements existing safety operations like Safe Space, Project Servator, and your own initiatives under Southend Nights. Together, they form a robust safety net for patrons, especially during busy weekends and city events.

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Why It Matters for Southend Nights

As Chair of Pubwatch and Director of Southend Nights, integrating Ask for Angela into your stakeholder messaging and venue training:

nightlifeReinforces Southend’s Purple Flag status
nightlifeDemonstrates proactive safeguarding
nightlifeBuilds public trust and venue accountability
nightlifeAligns with national best practice in vulnerability management
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