A safety campaign that allows people to discreetly signal if they feel unsafe or are being harassed on a night out in Drogheda, was launched yesterday in the Market Bar just in time for the busy festive season.
It’s called “Ask For Angela” and, like all good ideas, it is very simple. Anyone on a night out in a pub, restaurant or night club in Drogheda who feels at risk or is receiving unwanted attention simply has to approach a member of staff and ask for “Angela”. 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 are also participating in the campaign and venues and taxis that support the campaign will be easily recognisable as they will have’Ask for Angela’ posters and stickers will be displayed.
Speaking at the launch Superintendent Andrew Watters 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 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”.
Michael Keogh, Chair of Drogheda Implementation Board said: “All the stakeholders involved in this initiative wish to keep people safe in Drogheda, which is at the heart of the work of Drogheda Implementation Board.
“Board members became aware of Ask for Angela during a presentation given to us by Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman on a number of community safety initiatives and we are not only delighted to be part of this campaign but also look forward to launching a number of other community safety initiatives in 2023”.
Collette Nugent, owner of the Market Bar where the initiative was launched and who was and until last year Chair of Louth VFI, said: “VFI members in Drogheda are delighted to support this campaign. We want Drogheda to be a safe space to socialise and ‘Ask for Angela’ allows our staff to give an extra feeling of security and offer help to those who may be feeling vulnerable on a date or night out.”
The Ask for Angela campaign is a collaboration between An Garda Siochána Drogheda District and Drogheda Implementation Board alongside a number of community partners including the Vintners Association, Restaurants Association, Taxi Federation, Love Drogheda Business Improvement District and Drogheda Chamber.
The campaign was originally started in England to keep people safe from sexual assault and has been previously rolled out in Waterford, Sligo and most recently in Donegal.
Ask for Angela posters, stickers and information leaflets are available from a number of locations including the Love Drogheda office on Meatmarket Lane and through Drogheda Chamber. Further information on the campaign can also be requested by contacting implementationboard@lmetb.ie.
