Bar and security staff working at the Lionel Richie concert in Belfast's Ormeau Park on Saturday have been trained in the 'Ask for Angela' programme aimed at keeping people safe at venues and events.
Staff at all the upcoming Belsonic events in the park are trained to act if someone approaches them and says the name 'Angela'. It is designed as a prompt, or code, if someone feels unsafe or uncomfortable at a venue.
The staff at Belsonic and other venues across the north are trained to offer support, including reuniting a person with someone trusted, making sure they safely get a taxi, removing a person causing distress or, if necessary, calling the police.
'Ask for Angela' was introduced by the PSNI last December and over 350 venues have since signed up. It is being expanded to festivals and other events, including Belsonic, ShoreFest, Botanic Gardens Live and AVA.
“Those who are heading out to enjoy the music and other festivities this summer, we want to ensure that you do so safely, which is why it is so important that we are continuing to work closely with event organisers such as Belsonic to expand ‘Ask for Angela’ into these spaces," said Chief Superintendent David Beck.
"Unfortunately, we know that that is not always the case due to a small minority of those who target vulnerable people with predatory behaviours.
“Now, if someone does feel unsafe or particularly vulnerable, they can ask for ‘Angela’ and the security and bar staff around them will be equipped with the training to intervene and help."
Chief Supt Beck said there will be increased patrols, both uniformed and plain clothes, in and around the event.
“Local district policing teams have also incorporated tackling violence against women and girls planning into the consideration of all local events, including ‘designing out crime’ with considerations on lighting, enhanced CCTV and security placement at the toilet areas etc," he said.
Belsonic promoter Joe Dougan said his company is pleased to work alongside the PSNI and EventSec, which is providing security at the events this summer.
Andy McGowan, from EventSec, said: "Our staff have received training in the initiative and will also be briefed at each event. Event goers can now have confidence that if they get into difficulty at an event, EventSec staff can help them if they ‘Ask for Angela’.”
Venues can register for the scheme via the Hospitality Ulster website, though they do not need to be a member of the organisation.
