Local venues encouraged to sign up for free ‘Ask for Angela’ training ahead of Freshers’ Week
09 September 2026
Hospitality venues across West Northamptonshire are being encouraged to take advantage of free Ask for Angela training, helping staff recognise when someone may be feeling vulnerable and provide support quickly, safely and discreetly.
With thousands of students expected to arrive in Northampton ahead of Freshers’ Week, West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is encouraging bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues to make sure their teams are equipped to support customers who may feel unsafe, vulnerable or in need of assistance.
The free training helps staff understand how the nationally recognised Ask for Angela scheme works and provides practical guidance on safe intervention techniques, vulnerability awareness and responding appropriately when someone discreetly asks for help.
The Ask for Angela scheme enables anyone feeling unsafe while on a date, during a night out, or in a social situation to seek support from venue staff by asking for "Angela". Trained staff can then provide assistance in a discreet and safe manner. Venues participating in the scheme receive access to training, resources, promotional materials and official Ask for Angela window stickers.
The Council is working alongside partners, including Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone, to support a safe and welcoming night-time economy for residents, students and visitors. The initiative forms part of wider efforts to ensure people can enjoy town centres and local venues with confidence after dark.
Cllr Charlie Hastie, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at WNC, said: "Freshers’ Week is an exciting time for students arriving in West Northants and those returning for another academic year, and we want everyone to feel safe while enjoying our local venues.
"Ask for Angela gives people a simple and discreet way to get help if they feel vulnerable, while helping venue staff respond with confidence and support when it’s needed.
"Many businesses are already doing a great job creating safe and welcoming spaces, and we’d encourage any hospitality venue that hasn’t yet signed up to take advantage of this free training and help make nights out safer for everyone."
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone, said: “Women’s safety in public spaces is a priority for me, which is why I am pleased to help fund this initiative. I encourage organisations that haven’t already to sign up for the free training and play their part in creating environments where everyone can enjoy themselves and feel safe.
“By working together, we can protect women and make our nighttime economy safer.”
Venues already operating the scheme are also encouraged to register with the Council to ensure they receive the latest training opportunities, resources and promotional materials.
For more information about Ask for Angela training and how to get involved, visit the Northampton Town Centre Task Group webpage.