Venues across Leeds embrace Ask for Angela campaign to help keep the city safe

The ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign is being launched tonight across Leeds. The scheme was originally developed by Lincolnshire County Council and is now being adopted as a localised initiative in Leeds to help keep people safe while out in the city. The campaign aims to help prevent and reduce violence and harassment, particularly in hospitality settings.

It is inclusive so that anybody visiting venues such as bars and clubs can ask for ‘Angela’ to discreetly signal to staff that they feel unsafe or uncomfortable and require assistance. Staff can then offer to help out without too much fuss, for example by calling a taxi or providing a safe space.

Leeds City Council has been working closely with partners such as Safer Leeds, Women Friendly Leeds and West Yorkshire Police, as well as with Bobbi Rae (@bearcubs), a local artist who has designed the colourful campaign artwork.

Currently, over 500 venues across the city have signed up to participate in the scheme. View the venues on a map here and look out for posters and stickers while you are out in Leeds.

Ask for Angela is part of Leeds City Council’s wider ambition to promote night-time safety and address violence against women and girls. As well as engaging in ongoing work to tackle these issues, other upcoming campaigns this month include ‘16 Days of Action’ against domestic violence and the White Ribbon campaign.

Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council Executive Member with responsibility for Safer Leeds, said:

“I am very pleased to see the Ask for Angela scheme being embraced by so many venues across Leeds, helping to make our vibrant city as safe as possible. It is important that everybody can enjoy the hospitality of Leeds without feeling unsafe or uncomfortable. I strongly encourage anybody who may find themselves in an unsafe situation while out in Leeds to reach out and Ask for Angela.”

Emily Turner, Women’s Lives Leeds VOICES Co-ordinator, said:

“Women and girls’ safety is an issue for us all, with initiatives like Ask for Angela being welcomed by women across Leeds, giving them the confidence that they will be listened to, supported, and will feel safer. We are delighted that so many venues have committed their support, demonstrating that all partners in Leeds are taking women and girls’ safety seriously. By working together, we will achieve our ambitions for Leeds to be the best and a Women Friendly City. Remember, if something doesn’t feel right on a night out, please Ask for Angela.”

For more information about the Ask for Angela campaign, visit https://womenfriendlyleeds.org/ask-for-angela/

If your venue is interested in signing up for the scheme, please email AskForAngelaLeeds@leeds.gov.uk for more information and all the campaign materials needed to help you get started.