Ask for Angela
If you ever feel unsafe, vulnerable, or threatened, you can discreetly seek help by asking venue staff for ‘Angela.’ This code-phrase alerts staff that you need assistance, and a trained team member will support you. This could involve reuniting you with a friend, arranging safe transport like a taxi, or contacting venue security or the police.
Participating venues in the borough have received Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training. This specialised training package is designed to provide those working in the licensed industry with an understanding of vulnerability, their responsibilities, and how to respond effectively. The programme empowers staff to make appropriate interventions when dealing with vulnerable individuals, helping to prevent and reduce sexual violence and related harms. By fostering confidence among staff, WAVE training ensures venues can prevent situations from escalating, creating a safer, more inclusive night-time economy.
The ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign aims to enhance safety for women while out, reduce violence and harassment against women, and create more safeguarding opportunities for women and girls within the night-time economy. It also strengthens businesses’ ability to respond to vulnerability and crime while increasing feelings of safety in public spaces across Newham.
This initiative has already been successfully implemented in all licensed premises in Stratford.
