Carlow College partnered with Carlow County Council, South East Technological University (SETU), Gardaí and local Vintners last week for the launch of the ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign.
Local representatives from these organisations came together at SETU’s campus in Carlow to launch the campaign for the locality. It is imperative that the campaign has community-wide support and implementation. As a university town, Carlow College aims to work with local partners to create a place in which students feel safe to live, visit, learn, and socialise.
Goals
The ‘Ask for Angela’ aims to support anyone on the premises of a bar or restaurant who is experiencing inappropriate behaviour from another patron. You can go up to a member of staff and ask for ‘Angela’. The code word lets staff know a person is feeling uncomfortable and need a way to get out of the situation. The staff member will discreetly help the person to find the best way to deal with the situation.
Participating premises will have ‘Ask for Angela’ posters displayed, and management and staff will be briefed on how to help safeguard patrons. Local businesses will work alongside security staff, create protocols for dealing with perpetrators, brief staff thoroughly on best practice, and report any harassment incidents.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Lisa Fortune, Head of Student Services for Carlow College, noted the campaign will assist in “strengthening ties between third-level institutions, local businesses and community partners to contribute to a safer overall campus culture by fostering an environment that supports a sense of community and collective responsibility.”
Commenting on the campaign launch, Craig McLoughlin-Burke, President of Carlow College Students’ Union commented “I was delighted join the launch of the “Ask for Angela” campaign here in Carlow. CCSU care deeply about the wellbeing of our students, and that care doesn’t stop once they exit the college doors. This incredible initiative will provide an extra layer of reassurance for students on nights out, and we want to thank the wider community, An Garda Síochana, and local businesses for taking part in this campaign”.
A safe Initiative
Superintendent Anthony Farrell of An Garda Síochána, said, “Young people are a focal point in our approach to enhancing people safety, especially as part of the night time economy. Working together, this ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign will strengthen this process.”
Speaking about the importance of the initiative, Tom O’Neill, Mayor of the Municipal District of Carlow, commented, “This excellent initiative will align with the Purple Flag programme that is currently being worked on, and again these initiatives are what we do best in Carlow; collaboration and working together to make our town a safer place to visit and enjoy”.
Sergeant Conor Egan of Carlow Community Policing Unit, who gave a presentation as to how the “Ask for Angela” initiative works on a practical basis, said, “ The introduction of this initiative in Carlow Town aligns with An Garda Siochana’s mission of ‘Keeping People Safe’.” He praised the collaborative approach taken locally in bringing this initiative to fruition, stating, “it will enhance the feeling of safety for all those choosing to socialise in Carlow.”
