A number of Birmingham city centre bars are aware of the secret words and know how to help you
Posters advising All Bar One customers on how to ask for Angela are on the toilet doors(Image: Valerie Lewis)
After a number of violent incidents against women in recent weeks many are left feeling anxious for their safety – and it’s important to know there is help out there.
‘Ask for Angela’ was set up by a non-profit charity that supports venues in keeping their customers safe.
The three words are a secret code and when a customer asks for Angela, the bar will know they need help.
Read more: Moves to protect women and girls on buses revealed amid fears over waiting at stops
You can ask for Angela in any venue that works with the charity, and you can usually figure this out through posters in the loo.
Subtle as ever, the charity tell people how to ask for Angela using signs on toilet doors.
Reassuringly for the people of Birmingham, all the bars in the city that implemented Ask for Angela received a 100% success rate when being mystery tested.
The bars tested included Albert Schloss, The Dragon Inn Wetherspoons, the Slug and Lettuce at Brindley Place, and Mama Roux’s in Digbeth.
And whilst it is not compulsory for bars to sign up to this scheme, many do, such as the UK’s largest pub company Stonegate Group (which own popular chains such as Slug and Lettuce, Walkabout, and Be at One) and Wetherspoons.
You can speak to anyone who works there, from staff behind the bar to a member of security, and can mention Angela in any way that feels natural, such as “I need Angela” or “Have you seen Angela?”.
The charity have also made workbooks for hospitality staff filled with guidance on how to best protect a person after they have whispered the secret code.
Support for victims of sexual offences – where to get help
The Survivors Trust
The Survivors Trust is the largest umbrella agency for specialist rape and sexual abuse services in the UK.
Their services work with victims and survivors of all ages, all genders, of all forms of sexual violence, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation, including support for partners and family members.
If you have been a victim of a sexual offence, you can call the free helpline on 08088 010 818.
Rape and Sexual Violence Project (RSVP)
The Rape and Sexual Violence Project – covering Birmingham and Solihull – offers a wide range of services to both survivors and the people supporting you, including compassionate support for male survivors and children and young people.
You can contact the RSVP for free support via their helpline 0121 643 4136 or info@rsvporg.co.uk.
West Midlands Police
If you wish to report a sexual offence, no matter when it took place, you can find out more information here.
If you are in immediate danger, always call 999.
What happens when you ask for Angela?
Staff are advised to take the customer to a “safe place” and inform management first. Then, they are presented with various steps they can take to make the customer feel safe again, such as “asking the person causing distress to leave” or “support the person to leave safely” if they wish to do so.
West Midlands Police support Ask for Angela, and advise members of the public to use it if you are feeling “uneasy.”
They also have extra officers patrolling busy nightlife areas at peak times and busy places to help you feel safe.
If you need support for your mental health the following resources are available
The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to.
- Samaritans (116 123 in UK and Ireland) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
- If U Care Share is a suicide prevention and postvention support charity. For free confidential text support text IUCS to 85258.
- James’ Place provide free, life-saving treatment for suicidal men, and those identifying as male. Men can refer themselves or be referred by a professional including those working in health and community services, or by a friend or family
‘Ask for Angela’ was kickstarted by Hayley Crawford, the Substance Misuse and Sexual violence (prevention) strategic Coordinator for Lincolnshire County Council, in 2016.
It was created in memory of Angela Phillips, a woman who was killed by her husband in 2012.
Whilst it is not only made for women, it is a reassuring initiative that can help those who feel unsafe in troubling times of unrest.
Spiking
Spiking is against the law. It’s a serious crime with serious consequences.
Get information on spiking at west-midland.police.uk
The charity Victim Support are ready to help you if you’ve been spiked in the past and are struggling to cope. Call them 24/7 on 0808 1689.