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Is your pub or bar trained on Ask for Angela?
Awareness and training are critical to the success of Ask for Angela campaign’s mission to help people feel safe and comfortable on a night out. We speak to Director Sylvia Oates
How does Ask for Angela work?
If someone feels threatened or vulnerable in a premises promoting its involvement with posters, stickers or online messaging, they can approach staff and ‘Ask for Angela’.
The phrase is known among under 25s, so a trained colleague should recognise it and discreetly call security, lead the person to a safe space or help them leave the premises.
What’s the benefit for members?
Nearly half of people and 63% of women are more likely to visit a venue where they feel safe (YouGov) so participating venues have the edge when people, particularly women, are planning a night out.
How important is training?
It’s vital – if the ‘Angela’ phrase isn’t recognised, it could mean the person feels even less safe. Our training helps staff identify vulnerable guests who might be more likely to need help, when and why. We teach staff how to spot the signs, be curious and use bystander intervention techniques.
How do you spot the signs?
There are lots of ways, such as by recognising withdrawal, distress and confusion or if someone’s body language, facial expression or avoidance suggests they might be uncomfortable with another person’s coercive actions.
“63% of women experience sexual harassment in pubs, clubs and bars ”
- Source: YouGov
What’s your biggest challenge?
Training. We want venues to be full, and to achieve that the experience must be safe. If bars and pubs don’t reinforce their pledge because staff aren’t trained, customers might stay away.
High turnover brings a training challenge but venues that keep their team updated can recoup any training costs through extra custom within a week.
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