Ask for Angela Scheme extended to promote nighttime safety in West Northants

30 April 2025

Additional resources and training will be offered to venues across West Northamptonshire to further support safety in the area’s night-time economy (NTE). 

The Ask for Angela initiative, which has been operational in Northampton and parts of West Northants for several years with the support of the Community Safety Partnership and Pubwatch partners, enables individuals who feel unsafe or uncomfortable to discreetly ask venue staff for help by "asking for Angela." Staff are trained to respond and provide support, helping ensure everyone can enjoy a night out safely. 

In 2024, the scheme was refreshed with new locally branded posters to raise awareness. As part of the next phase, an official list of participating venues is being compiled. These venues will benefit from: 

• Specialist staff training to respond to disclosures or distress 
• Window stickers to clearly identify participation 
• Ongoing support and resources from the Council and partner organisations 

This move supports a wider action plan under the Northampton Town Centre Task Group’s NTE strategy, coordinated by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) which includes test purchases throughout the year to assess how well the scheme is being implemented and to identify areas for improvement. 

“Ask for Angela is a vital part of our ongoing commitment to making our night-time economy a welcoming and safe space for all. We’re proud to be working closely with local venues, partners and our Pubwatch networks to ensure staff are confident in providing support when it’s needed most.  

“This initiative is about prevention, protection and partnership, and it’s one of many steps we’re taking to help everyone feel safe while enjoying a night out in West Northamptonshire.” 

Jane Carr, Chair of the West Northants Community Safety Partnership

“We’re pleased to hear that the Ask for Angela initiative has been extended as it provides another avenue for people who feel unsafe to get help. 

 “If someone you have met is making you feel uncomfortable, exiting the situation can often feel difficult. The discreet nature of the Ask for Angela scheme gives people an easy way out and that’s something we wholeheartedly support. 

 “We work hard with venues across the county to make the nighttime economy safe for people and we will continue collaborating with our partners on schemes such as this to increase that safety as much as we can.” 

Northamptonshire Police Force Licensing Sergeant Simon Moreton

The scheme is one of several initiatives in place to support the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) agenda in Northampton, alongside visible and active measures including the SNO (Safer Nights Out) Van, Street Pastors, Northampton Guardians, Taxi marshals, OP Kayak which tackles predatory behaviour, and CCTV monitoring. 

All initiatives are showcased in the Council’s Northampton NTE video, produced as part of the town’s successful Purple Flag accreditation bid. 

The Ask for Angela scheme is now open to venues across the whole of West Northamptonshire, and all hospitality businesses are encouraged to sign up. Find out more on the Northampton Town Centre Task Group webpage.