Teesside is becoming a safer place for people on nights out as more entertainment spots commit to a discreet support scheme to help vulnerable people.
More venues across Middlesbrough, Teesside and Cleveland are backing the Ask for Angela initiative - designed to help people who feel unsafe, vulnerable or at risk when out with friends or even on a date.
Customers who feel vulnerable can ask for 'Angela' at a bar or front desk, triggering discreet support from trained staff without alerting those around them or escalating the situation.
While the scheme has been ongoing in venues across towns and cities around the UK for a number of years, more places want to get on board.
Now participation has grown across Teesside; late-night spots are also implementing new signage, awareness campaigns and staff training to ensure help is always available for someone feeling unsafe or uncomfortable.
Empire Middlesbrough
(Image: Picture: MICHAEL ROBINSON)
Empire Middlesbrough is among the venues highlighting the latest rollout, which includes new posters featuring clearer and more inclusive messaging.
It has also introduced new Ask for Angela cards, disguised as bank cards, to hand over to staff and get help without saying anything at all.
In a recent TikTok, the venue said: "If you're on a night out and something doesn't feel right, then you can ask a member of staff for Angela.
"It's a code word that lets us know you need help, no questions asked."
The nightclub added that staff are trained to step in and help people reach safety.
"Once you ask for Angela, our staff are trained to step in, get you somewhere safe, call you a taxi, or contact your friends – all without drawing any attention," it said.
Rushing to comment, one said: "That is amazing."
Another said: "Great this. Keeping young people save in the venue."
One other said: "It's about time."
Another applauding Empire added: "Since working in a pub, it's really opened my eyes to how dangerous venues really can get. Nice to see you spreading awareness and really cracking down on it."
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The initiative now operates across a range of venues throughout the region following efforts by the Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner to rollout safety protocols to more venues across Teesside.
Efforts to make the region safer for people when on a night out are increasing in other areas too, as Women's Street Watch Middlesbrough head out every weekend with over 40 volunteers helping women get home safely.
From shopping centres and retail parks to pubs, bars and entertainment venues, the Ask for Angela initiative is now rolling out to more venues across Teesside.
Participating locations include Teesside Park, the Cleveland Centre and Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, alongside venues such as Empire, STACK, Dr Inks and Three Brass Monkeys.