A COLEFORD coffee shop has strengthened its commitment to customer safety after staff completed specialist training delivered by the Forest of Dean District Council as part of the nationally recognised ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme.

The session, held on Friday, March 27 was attended by team members at The Art Of Coffee Coleford and is designed to help venue staff respond discreetly and effectively when a customer feels uncomfortable, unsafe, or in need of support while out in a public setting.

‘Ask for Angela’ is a safeguarding initiative used in pubs, cafés, clubs and other hospitality venues across the UK. It provides a simple but effective way for individuals to seek help without having to explain their situation openly.

If a person approaches a member of staff and asks for ‘Angela’, trained employees will recognise this as a request for assistance and take appropriate action.

Depending on the circumstances, staff can help by arranging safe transport home, such as a taxi, reuniting the individual with friends or family, offering a quiet space within the venue, or discreetly helping them leave a situation they are uncomfortable in.

In more serious cases, staff may also ask the person causing concern to leave the premises or contact the police if required.

The scheme is particularly aimed at supporting people on nights out or social visits where situations may not feel right, including dates that are not going as expected or interactions with individuals who may not be who they claim to be.

The Forest of Dean District Council has been working with businesses across the area to promote safer communities and encourage venues to adopt safeguarding practices that prioritise customer wellbeing.

Initiatives such as ‘Ask for Angela’ form part of a broader approach to community safety, helping residents and visitors feel more confident when enjoying local hospitality.