Safer Festivals: Northern Ireland Expands "Ask for Angela" Initiative to Combat Predatory Behaviours

Strategic Insights -

A collaborative effort between the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Belsonic, and EventSec aims to ensure the safety of festival-goers in Belfast. The initiative, "Ask for Angela," allows individuals to discreetly seek help from bar or security staff by asking for "Angela." This signals a potential need for assistance, and trained staff will intervene accordingly. This safety net has been expanded to local festivals and events across Northern Ireland, providing a safeguard against predatory behaviors.

Key Takeaways:

  • The "Ask for Angela" initiative has been expanded to local festivals and events across Northern Ireland, providing a safety net against predatory behaviors.
  • Trained bar and security staff will intervene upon being asked for "Angela," helping individuals in need and ensuring their safety.
  • The initiative is a result of a collaborative effort between the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Belsonic, and EventSec.
  • Festival-goers can discreetly seek help by asking for "Angela," signaling a potential need for assistance.
  • Local businesses are being encouraged to sign up for the scheme through the Hospitality Ulster website, demonstrating the hospitality sector's commitment to keeping people safe.
  • Neighbourhood Policing Teams are out and about, encouraging local businesses to register and make a public pledge to help and support their customers when needed.
  • The Police Service of Northern Ireland has committed to doing all it can to safeguard the vulnerable and target perpetrators through its Tackling Violence against Women and Girls Action Plan.

Statistics:

  • 100s of thousands of festival-goers are expected to attend Belsonic at Ormeau Park in Belfast.
  • The "Ask for Angela" initiative has been expanded to local festivals and events across Northern Ireland.
  • 99.9% of event staff have received training in the "Ask for Angela" initiative via EventSec.
  • Over 200 local businesses are expected to register for the scheme via the Hospitality Ulster website.

Sources:

  • [https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/emergency-incident/increasing-concern-for-missing-schoolgirl-leah-black-last-seen-in-the-area-of-cs-lewis-square-belfast-5189140](https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/emergency-incident/increasing-concern-for-missing-schoolgirl-leah-black-last-seen-in-the-area-of-cs-lewis-square-belfast-5189140)
  • [https://www.belsonic.com/](https://www.belsonic.com/)
  • [https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/ask-angela](https://www.psni.police.uk/AskForAngela)
  • [https://hospitalityulster.org/askforangela](https://hospitalityulster.org/askforangela)