A SAFETY initiative which allows people who feel vulnerable in bars or pubs to discreetly signal for help is being rolled out across South Lakeland.

South Cumbria’s Bar Watch scheme has signed up to the nationally recognised Ask for Angela campaign.

Ask for Angela is a simple code word campaign for people feeling unsafe when on a date. It encourages people to discreetly ask for help by going to the bar to Ask for Angela – a phrase aimed at alerting staff for help so they can defuse a situation.

Once alerted, the person is taken aside or to a safe location so they can speak in confidence about what help they may need. Staff can then call a taxi, contact their friends or family or direct the individual out of the venue via an alternative exit.

Members of the scheme have been briefed on the initiative ahead of the launch. Promotional posters advertising the scheme have been distributed and will be placed in venues.

“It is incredibly important that people can feel safe when meeting and dating people," said Wendy Ingham, South Cumbria Bar Watch Co-ordinator. "Ask for Angela provides a safe and discreet exit method from a difficult situation.

“I am pleased that the members of Bar Watch are fully behind the initiative in order to keep their customers safe.”

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall said: “What a great initiative this is, I am delighted that the bars and pubs in the county have signed up to it. For someone who unwittingly finds themselves in a situation where they are feeling vulnerable and scared, to have what is essentially a life-line is invaluable.”