8 Maidstone Borough Council Ask for Angela launched in Maidstone
The Safer Maidstone Partnership has introduced a code-word campaign aimed at making people feel safe following a successful launch of the initiative in Lincolnshire.
‘Ask for Angela’ is aimed at encouraging people to discreetly ask for help by going to the bar and alerting staff to a cry for help if they are faced with a difficult situation.
Posters are being displayed in venues across the town centre and the campaign is being run in partnership with the council, Kent Police and the Maidstone Domestic Abuse Forum. Training is being provided to venues which are part of Maidstone’s Night Time Economy Forum.
Leader of Maidstone Borough Council, Cllr Fran Wilson commented: “When I heard about the national recognition that the ‘Ask for Angela’ had been getting I was keen for our county town to get involved and be part of this important sexual violence awareness campaign. Launching this in Maidstone is a big step towards reducing the fear some people might feel in a situation and to prevent sexual violence against women.”
Cllr Marion Ring, Chair of the Communities, Housing and Environment Committee commented: “This safety campaign is a critical part of providing a safe environment for those enjoying the night time economy in Maidstone. If we can help one person in a difficult situation, it means we’ve made a difference to their safety and wellbeing.”
MBC’s Community Partnerships & Resilience Manager Matt Roberts said: “It’s important that anyone who is feeling unsafe can be empowered to speak out and ask for help. We were impressed with this initiative from Lincolnshire as it’s a simple way of offering help and support to those who might be at risk. I would encourage anyone who needs help to go to the bar and ask for ‘Angela,’ and the bar staff will know you need help and will call you a taxi or help you out discreetly.”
Those heading on a night out in Maidstone should follow this simple advice from Kent Police in order to stay safe:
Plan your journey to and from home in advance. If you get a taxi or minicab, ensure it is licensed.
Tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return.
If you have arranged to meet with someone new, tell a friend who they are and where you plan to meet them.
Avoid leaving a drink unattended. HI I’M ANGELA,
Are you on a date that isn’t working out?
Is your Tinder or PoF date not who they said they were on their profile?
Do you feel like you’re not in a safe situation?
Does it all feel abit weird?
If you go to the bar and ASK FOR ‘ANGELA’ the bar staff will know you need some help getting out of your situation and will call you a taxi or help you out discreetly - without too much fuss.
Courtesy of Safer Communities Sexual Violence and Abuse Partnership, Lincolnshire. Originators of the ‘Ask for Angela’ poster campaign part of the #NoMore sexual violence and abuse in Lincolnshire awareness Campaign.
www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/nomore
www.maidstone.gov.uk Maidstone Link
The Council’s former Gateway building is due to re-open to the public during February.
The building, now named Maidstone Link has undergone a complete refurbishment to provide a more open plan feel, and these changes allow the space to be shared with the local Job Centre Plus and voluntary organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau.
The Council will continue to offer an appointment only service and will provide two cash only payment kiosks and facilities to make card payments online or by telephone. There will also be an increased number of self-help computers for customers to access council and other government services.
Residents can also access a full range of council services via their phone, tablet or home computer by visiting
www.maidstone.gov.uk/services
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56