Ask for Angela: supporting safety across East Lothian

We are introducing the Ask for Angela campaign as part of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding and supporting people who may feel vulnerable or unsafe.

Originally developed by Lincolnshire County Council, the campaign has been adopted by local authorities, licensed venues, and organisations across the UK. It encourages venues and public-facing services to display information advising customers that if they feel unsafe on a date or in a social situation, they can discreetly approach staff and “Ask for Angela”.

Staff who have received training will recognise this phrase as a request for help and will respond appropriately. This may include:

• helping the individual leave the premises safely
• contacting a friend or arranging a taxi
• alerting security staff or management
• contacting the police where necessary

The campaign is widely recognised as a simple but effective safeguarding initiative that promotes personal safety and responsible service delivery.

For more information about the campaign, visit Ask for Angela.

Why are we implementing Ask for Angela?

Our key objectives are to:

• improve personal safety within licensed premises, community centres and frontline council services
• increase staff awareness of vulnerability and safeguarding issues
• provide clear guidance on how to support customers who feel unsafe
• strengthen partnership working between the council, licensed trade and community safety partners
• promote a safe and responsible night-time economy and community environment across East Lothian

Train the trainer programme

To support the rollout of the campaign, a Train the Trainer course will take place on Wednesday 22 July 2026 at John Muir House, Haddington.

The course has capacity for 50 participants, who will then be equipped to deliver training within their own teams and partner organisations.

We are keen to attract staff from a wide range of public-facing services, including:

• Protective Services
• Social Work and Social Services
• Safer Communities
• Libraries and Community Centres
• ELC Contact Centre
• Housing
• Education

Places will also be offered to external partners, including Police Scotland, Local Area Partnerships, and drug and alcohol support services.

Information will be shared with managers and teams to help identify suitable staff members to attend the course and subsequently support wider implementation across services.

Register your interest

Expressions of interest can be submitted from 3 June 2026 via the registration form.

Please ensure you have discussed your application with your manager before completing the form.

The registration period will close on Friday 3 July 2026. Fifty participants will then be selected to ensure representation from a broad range of services and organisations.

Following the training, participants will be expected to begin delivering awareness sessions within their teams and support the introduction of the Ask for Angela scheme in frontline services and community spaces.

Find out more

If you would like further information about the campaign or the training programme, please contact Karen Harling at kharling1@eastlothian.gov.uk.