We’ve been able to implement a number of initiatives to help women feel and be safer when enjoying a night out.
Take a look at what support is available if you find yourself in a worrying or difficult situation.
Pub and club staff training
If you find yourself in a vulnerable situation it can be difficult to know where to turn, particularly if you’ve been separated from your friends. It’s important that you know that you’re not alone.
We’re delivering training to pub and club staff throughout the borough so that they can help you stay safe and get the support you need during those crucial moments.
If you’re a pub or venue manager, find out more about our free WAVE training scheme for staff to help keep your customers safe.
"Ask for Angela"
If you’re on a date that isn’t working out and you feel vulnerable and unsafe, or you just feel like something's not right, you can discreetly seek help by approaching venue staff and asking them for 'Angela'.
This code-phrase will indicate to staff that you require help with your situation and a trained member of staff will then look to support and assist you. This might be through reuniting you with a friend, accompanying you to a taxi, or by calling venue security and / or the police.
Safety marshals
Until the end of March 2023, on Friday and Saturday nights our safety marshals will be out and about on the streets of Wigan, Leigh, and Atherton town centres. They'll provide guidance, information and reassurance to help you feel safe while you're enjoying a night out. Their main purpose is to reduce crime, prevent breaches of public order, and deter potential perpetrators of crime.
They will also be undertaking a survey to gather women’s experiences and find out how we might be able to improve services in the future.
Safe Places
Wigan Council is now a member of the Safe Places National Network and we are continuing to grow a network of Safe Places that act as a temporary refuge throughout the community.
A Safe Place offers help if someone is anxious, scared or feels at risk while they are out and about and need support.
Taxi Marshalls
On Saturday evenings between 11pm and 5am there will be taxi marshals in Wigan Town Centre assisting visitors and residents to get taxis safely at the Wallgate taxi rank.