The Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside has funded a new campaign to create safer journeys and support vulnerable passengers in North Lincolnshire.
As part of the Safer Nights campaign, North Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership has teamed with Stagecoach East Midlands to promote the ‘Ask for Angel Street’ scheme which provides a discreet way for individuals who feel vulnerable, unsafe or threatened to seek help when using public transport.
By approaching a trained member of staff and asking for ‘Angel Street’, passengers can alert their need for support without drawing attention to themselves. Staff will play an important role in identifying vulnerable passengers, responding appropriately to requests for assistance and signposting individuals to further support.
A campaign video has been created with funding from the Humber Violence Prevention Partnership, chaired by Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison.
Mr Evison said: “This is a fantastic new campaign that I believe will make a considerable difference in the wellbeing and safety of people using public transport.
“We know how vulnerable people can feel when travelling alone but with the Ask For Angel Street scheme, they can rest assured there are supportive, helpful staff around to provide assistance whenever it is needed.
“The North Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership is doing fantastic work to make the night time economy safer and this is a wonderful addition to their work. I thank Stagecoach East Midlands for their efforts in this campaign.”
The video shows real-life scenarios where safety initiatives can play an important role when planning journeys and nights out, including the Ask For Angela scheme which has inspired Angel Street.
People are also encouraged to download the WalkSafe app, which includes an award-winning safety map and journey-sharing features that can be used with family and friends.
The video will be used for staff training within Stagecoach, North Lincolnshire Council buildings, gyms, community hubs, libraries and Pubwatch groups as well as being rolled out into schools and colleges.
It reinforces a shared commitment to improving public safety, particularly during the evening and night time economy as well as ensuring residents and visitors feel confident travelling across North Lincolnshire.
As part of the Safer Nights campaign, it is recognised that feeling safe should not end when people leave a venue, town centre of event with safe and reliable transport a vital part of an evening out.
Stagecoach East Midlands managing director Matt Cranwell said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership on this important project, and believe that facilities like Ask For Angel Street can make a real difference in our local communities.
“The bus is a wonderful way to get around – particularly throughout August when Kids Go Free – so it is important that our customers can enjoy their journey with us and initiatives like this show how we can work together to create a safe and comfortable environment for everyone.”
For more information about the Ask for Angel Street campaign and Safer Nights North Lincolnshire, click HERE.
