The UK Government has teamed up with Boots and independent pharmacies to launch their Ask for ANI codeword scheme for victims of domestic abuse.
From the 14th January, victims of domestic abuse will be able to access much needed support from thousands of pharmacies across the UK, backed by the government.
The Ask for ANI scheme allows those at risk, or suffering from abuse to discreetly signal that they need help and to access support. By asking for ANI, a trained pharmacy worker will offer a private space where they can understand if the victim needs to speak to the police, or if they’d like help to access support services such as a national or local domestic abuse helplines.
As an essential retailer based on high streets across the country, and with specifically trained staff, pharmacies can provide a safe space for victims to sound an alarm if they are isolated at home with their abuser and are unable to get help in another way.
The Prime Minister committed to launch this scheme at the Hidden Harms Summit last year in recognition of the impact of COVID restrictions on the ability of victims to reach out for help and support. The scheme was initially proposed by survivors as something that would have helped them.
“As we once again have to ask people across the country to stay at home to tackle this virus, it’s vital that we take action to protect those for who home is not a safe space.
That is why we have launched this scheme, supported by pharmacies up and down the country, to give some of the most vulnerable people in society a critical lifeline – making sure they have access to the support they need and keep them safe from harm.” – Prime Minister Boris Johnson
The codeword scheme will be promoted using discreet social media adverts and paid search. Pharmacies will be given promotional material to display in store to signal to victims that they are participating. Health professionals, social workers and Job Centres will also be asked to promote the scheme, alongside police, local authorities and specialist support services for victims.
The scheme will be initially available through the 2,300 Boots stores across the UK as well as 255 independent pharmacies. There will be an on-going sign-up process open to all pharmacies.
“With over 170 years at the heart of community care, Boots pharmacies have long been a place where people can turn to for help and advice on their local high street. Since the start of the pandemic, our 2,300 stores in communities across the UK have taken on increased importance as a place of safety for those who need one.
In addition to the designated Safe Spaces in our pharmacies, we hope with the new codeword scheme we can continue to help people access the support they need quickly, safely and discreetly.
This is something our pharmacy teams feel very passionately about, and we are proud of their continued dedication supporting those in need at a time of such extraordinary challenge.” – Boots UK Chief Pharmacist, Marc Donovan
Read the full release here.
