February 2026 marks ten years of Ask for Angela, the nationally recognised safety initiative that helps people discreetly ask for help in bars, pubs, clubs and venues when they feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
To mark the milestone, Lincoln BIG is working closely with Ask for Angela Charity (registration in progress) to deliver a city-wide relaunch, supporting hospitality, leisure and entertainment venues across Lincoln with refreshed guidance, updated branding and new assets.
As part of the relaunch, Lincoln BIG will work directly with businesses to ensure staff remain informed, confident and prepared to respond appropriately when someone asks for “Angela”.
Danielle, Relationship & Operations Manager at Lincoln BIG, said:
“At Lincoln BIG, we work closely with businesses every day, and safety is always a priority. This relaunch is about making sure venues understand the scheme, know how to respond, and feel supported in putting people’s safety first.
By working collaboratively with hospitality and entertainment venues, we’re helping to create a city where people can enjoy themselves and feel safe at the same time.”
A decade of Ask for Angela
Ask for Angela was created in 2016 by Hayley Crawford, and named in memory of Angela Philips (Crompton). The scheme was designed to empower venue staff to act calmly, quickly and without judgement when someone feels unsafe or uncomfortable in a public space.
Reflecting on the journey, Hayley Crawford said:
“I created Ask for Angela ten years ago, and since then it has grown into a global safety scheme. As we mark this milestone, it is incredibly important to honour the woman it was named after — Angela Philips — and to hear her story through her daughter, Hollie.”
Nearly a decade on, Ask for Angela is recognised across the night-time economy both nationally and internationally. As it approaches its tenth anniversary, the scheme is entering a new chapter, with work underway to establish Ask for Angela as a registered charity — ensuring its integrity, training offer and long-term impact are protected.
“Ask for Angela is now in the process of becoming a registered charity, and I am incredibly proud to be supported by such committed and passionate Trustees as we take this next step together,” Hayley added.
A refreshed look, rooted in remembrance
To mark the anniversary, Ask for Angela has introduced updated branding, including a refreshed logo and new assets that will be distributed to venues across Lincoln as part of the relaunch.
Central to the new materials is a 10-year anniversary poster featuring a cartoon representation of Angela Philips, created from one of her family’s most treasured photographs.
Hayley Crawford explained:
“For the 10-year anniversary, I wanted the posters to be dedicated to the real-life Angela. Using a cartoon representation based on her family’s most treasured photograph felt like a meaningful and respectful way to do that.”
A daughter’s voice
For Angela’s daughter, Hollie, seeing her mother’s legacy continue through the scheme remains deeply personal.
“Growing up my mum was the best. Always the most fun, bubbly, vibrant, outgoing and caring person. When I was around 15 she met a man, they shortly married and a few months later she was killed. She was killed by him, with a hammer, in the home they shared, over an argument so small about decorating,” Hollie said.
She continued:
“Hayley Crawford started Ask for Angela, named in my mother’s memory. This has given us such a sense of pride and closure knowing that women and people who feel unsafe in public spaces are using her name for safety. I’m sure she would be so incredibly proud to know that she has helped so many people worldwide and continues to do so as the safety scheme grows.”
Reflecting on the anniversary materials, Hollie added:
“The 10-year anniversary poster of Ask for Angela shows a cartoon representation of my mother from one of the few pictures we have of her. I hope that next time you see the poster, you will think of her and the many people the scheme has helped, and stand with us in the fight against violence against women. I’m very grateful for Ask for Angela, despite the circumstances, making public spaces safer every day.”
Looking ahead
As the scheme approaches its tenth anniversary in 2026, the scheme is being relaunched in Lincoln as part of a renewed commitment to safety across the city’s night-time economy.
Lincoln BIG and Pubwatch will be hosting a launch event inviting all hospitality and entertainment venues across the city to get involved, learn more about the refreshed guidance and play their part in helping people feel safe when enjoying a night out in Lincoln.
The relaunch marks the next chapter of Ask for Angela, with updated resources, clearer guidance and a renewed focus on partnership working between venues, local authorities, policing and community safety partners.
