Ask For Angela, the safety campaign that allows people to discreetly signal if they feel unsafe on a date or night out, was re-launched in Drogheda today, Friday 6th December.
Being re-launched just in time for the busy festive season the initiative works by encouraging anyone who feels at risk to ask staff in participating bars, clubs and restaurants, for ‘Angela’, a codeword to identify when they are in danger or in an uncomfortable situation.
Staff will then help the person get home discreetly and safely or ask the other party to leave the establishment. Members of Drogheda Taxi Federation, Vintners Federation and Restaurants Association are participating in the campaign.
Venues and taxis that support the campaign will be easily recognisable as ‘Ask for Angela’ posters and stickers will be displayed.
Speaking at the launch, Garda Inspector Declan Monaghan said: “This is a simple yet effective initiative that allows those who find themselves in a vulnerable situation to have a quick and discreet way to access the help they need.
“We are re-launching it today to coincide with the busy Christmas and New Year period when socialising is at it’s peak and people may find themselves in situations that they are uncomfortable with which could prevent the situation escalating. Of course, in the case of a serious incident we still encourage the public to contact An Garda Siochána directly”.
Chair of Drogheda Implementation Board Michael Keogh, said “At the heart of the work of the Drogheda Implementation Board is the need to keep people safe and we are delighted to be associated with the re-launch of the campaign.
“One of the key pillars of the work of the Board is cooperation between agencies and organisations and this campaign is very much a collaboration between An Garda Siochana, Drogheda Implementation Board, Vintners Federation of Ireland, Taxi Federation, Restaurants Association, Drogheda Chamber of Commerce and Drogheda BIDs.”
Michael Finnegan of the Louth Vintners Federation added: “VFI members in Drogheda fully support and endorse the Ask for Angela Campaign and we want to ensure that all our customers feel welcomed, safe and supported in our licensed premises”.
Kevin Faulkner of the Taxi Federation said their members “…have the safety of our customers in mind at all times and will act accordingly to ensure that appropriate measures will be taken in line with the Ask for Angela initiative.”
Mark McGowan of the Restaurants Association also strongly supported the campaign and stressed its importance in creating a safe environment for all members of the public to socialise over the festive season.
Further information on the campaign and requests for posters, stickers and information leaflets can be directed to implementationboard@lmetb.ie.
