‘Ask for Ani’ is a codeword scheme launched by the government in 2021 that aims to provide discreet assistance to victims of domestic abuse.
A similar initiative to ‘Ask for Angela’, Ani stands for ‘Action Needed Immediately’ and, according to the government, can be used in over 5,000 pharmacies across the UK as a plea for help.
The scheme is now managed by Hestia’s UK Says No More campaign and is largely supported by Boots, who claim that you can ‘Ask for Ani’ at any one of their 2,200 pharmacies and receive the support you need.
With the tagline, ‘Together we can end domestic abuse and sexual violence,’ the UK Says No More official website explains: “When a victim uses the codeword in the pharmacy, a member of staff will take the victim to a private room (‘Safe Space’) where they can help them call the police, domestic abuse helpline, or a family member, friend or perhaps even a solicitor."
But how many pharmacies would recognise the codeword for this scheme?
I used the postcode checker on the government website, to see which pharmacies were enrolled in the scheme and then visited them myself to see if it would work.
To make sure I didn’t waste the time of any staff if they did try to help, I would explain I was a journalist and what I was doing.
Boots, 3 Brunel Plaza
My first stop was in the town centre, and I headed straight over to the pharmacy counter where I waited in a queue to be served.
When my turn came, I asked the lady: “Excuse me, is Ani in today?”
She looked confused and apologetically told me no.
I said “ok, don’t worry” and began to walk away.
As I was doing so, she called me back and said: “Wait I think she is in.”
She then began to type on her computer and offered to get someone to escort me to a safe space.
I quickly explained that I was a journalist and not in any danger.
After double-checking that I was ok, the lady told me she was a trainee and it’s something Boots inform all their staff about before starting work in one of their establishments.
Boots, 35 Wood Street
My next stop was Boots on Wood Street, in Old Town.
I went to the till and repeated my question.
The lady behind the counter didn’t hesitate and began to direct me to a private room.
I was met with tremendous warmth and was immediately made to feel safe.
After ensuring her that I was ok, she agreed to answer a few questions.
I asked: “Do you feel that this scheme is advertised well enough, and do you think people know that this help is out there?”
She responded: “To be honest, probably not.”
But added: “Boots are absolutely amazing.”
Boots, Greenbridge Retail Park
After that positive experience, I drove to Greenbridge Retail Park Boots.
When I got to the counter, I asked: “Do you know if Ani is in today?”
The lady looked back at me and said: “Who’s Ani? I don’t know an Ani.”
She then looked over to her colleague on the till next to her and asked if she knew.
I was once again met with the same confused expression, so I told them not to worry and left.
Boots, 257A Penhill Drive
My next pharmacy was Boots on Penhill Drive.
As I asked the question, a man working further behind the counter overheard and quickly came over.
He began to look around and then opened a door to a private room.
I confirmed that I was a journalist and once he realised that I was safe, he called over the other members of staff to check that they all knew about the scheme.
He told me that when he heard me ask for Ani he was taken by surprise, but quickly knew to look around to make sure that I was alone and not in any immediate danger.
He also shared his thoughts on the scheme, telling me that when it was initially launched people were a lot more aware of it than they are now, two years on.
Lloyds, Clive Parade Pharmacy
Whilst this pharmacy wasn’t listed on the postcode checker as a site enrolled on the scheme, I noticed a small ‘Ask for Ani’ sign on the window as I drove past.
As I walked in, a man asked if he could help.
I asked if Ani was in and he told me: “An Ani doesn’t work here.”
I said: “Ok, don’t worry.”
However, he continued to ask if he could help with anything and uncertain as to whether or not he knew what I was trying to communicate, I asked again.
The second time, he understood and came out from behind the till, prepared to help me.
I explained what I was doing and confirmed that I wasn’t in any danger.
He appeared disappointed that he didn’t catch it sooner, but also didn’t expect it as no one had used the codeword before.
He believed the lack of its usage was down to both it not being advertised enough and people being too scared use it.
Lloyds, Shaw Village Centre
This pharmacy was quite quiet and I was able to walk straight up to the till to be served.
I asked the question and the lady behind the counter quickly went over to her colleague who then began to direct me to a private room.
Once again, I explained what I was doing and left them feeling very relieved that I was ok.
Boots, Royal Wootton Bassett
This was my last stop and after a short wait I asked a lady if Ani was in today.
She immediately offered to take me to their safe room.
By the entrance of the safe space there was a drawing of a rainbow created by the lady’s daughter.
I told her that I was ok and completely safe and then headed out.
Final thoughts
I found this experience extremely moving as I got to witness first-hand the incredible support that is right on the doorsteps of those who need it the most.
Specifically in Wood Street and Royal Wootton Bassett, the staff handled the situation pragmatically but also with warmth and care that immediately put me at ease.
Despite me not being a victim of domestic abuse, I still found walking up to the counter a daunting and intimidating prospect.
This massively put into perspective for me the courage it must take a victim to go into one of these pharmacies and ask that question.
The fact that the majority of the sites responded so efficiently and with such care gave me hope for all victims of domestic abuse who are looking for their way out.
However, not all pharmacies understood what I was attempting to communicate, despite either having posters on their windows or being listed online as a safe space.
The confusion displayed by certain members of staff only caused me a bit of embarrassment, but for a victim, the repercussions could be far worse.
In addition, I asked all the pharmacies if they have had people use the codeword before, and the unanimous response was no.
According to the Wiltshire Police, they received 14,844 reports of domestic abuse across the county in 2022, yet it appears victims are not using the government schemes put in place to protect them.
Out of the seven pharmacies that I visited, only two had signs in their windows advertising that they offered this support.
A shop assistant at Boots in Royal Wootton Bassett told me: “It would be great if more people knew about it.”
Indeed, the scheme has the potential to be an amazing lifeline for victims of domestic abuse, but only if they are aware that the help is out there.
If you want to learn more or think you are a victim of domestic abuse, please don’t hesitate to visit these sites:
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