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Hayley Crawford, the originator of the Ask for Angela campaign, highlights that the scheme’s newly acquired charity status will enhance its ability to support individuals feeling unsafe during a night out. Created a decade ago in Lincoln pubs, the campaign was named in memory of Angela Phillips, a family friend who tragically lost her life at the hands of her husband in 2012. The initiative provides a discreet way for people in bars or clubs to signal for help by “asking for Angela,” enabling venue staff to assist them in leaving safely or moving to a secure location.
Crawford, who will lead the Ask for Angela Foundation—a charity officially registered in October—hopes the change in status will inspire more establishments to adopt the scheme. She emphasized, “There’s never any excuse why a venue doesn’t implement Ask for Angela.” Crawford views the charity setup as a vital step to ensure the campaign’s long-term sustainability, providing consistent support, free resources, and training. “It’s just nice to know there is something in place to help people so they don’t feel helpless or feel like they’ve got nowhere to turn,” she added.
The campaign came about while Crawford was working as the strategic lead for tackling sexual violence at Lincolnshire County Council, prompted by a rise in sexual harassment cases linked to online dating. Positive feedback from patrons who felt safer upon seeing Ask for Angela posters motivated further expansion. Originally piloted in Lincoln pubs, the scheme quickly gained traction, being adopted by police forces and local governments across the UK. Its reach has since extended internationally, including major Australian cities like Sydney, Perth, and Adelaide.
Despite its successes, challenges remain. A 2024 BBC investigation revealed that more than half of London venues failed to respond correctly to the code phrase during secret tests. The following year, Angela’s daughter, Hollie Phillips, urged government intervention to guarantee proper nationwide implementation. Hollie expressed pride in the scheme, stating, “Ask for Angela has given us such a sense of pride and closure, knowing that women who feel unsafe in public spaces are using her name for safety.” Crawford believes that the charity status will give venues the confidence to adopt the campaign without fears of complexity or cost, ensuring staff are trained and posters displayed for wider public awareness
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