The Home Office has launched a new ‘Abuse Codeword Scheme’. The scheme provides a simple and discreet way for people experiencing domestic abuse to signal that they need immediate help from the police or other support services, using a codeword in their local pharmacy.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse and need immediate help, ask for ‘ANI’ in a participating pharmacy. ‘ANI’ stands for Action Needed Immediately but also phonetically sounds like the name Annie.
If a pharmacy has the ‘Ask for ANI’ logo on display, it means they’re ready to help. They will offer you a private space, provide a phone and ask if you need support from the police or other domestic abuse support services.
Many of the Boots stores and Superdrug pharmacies across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are on board with this and there are four independent pharmacies involved:
Hobbs Pharmacy in Brune Health Centre, Gosport. Hants – PO13 0EW
Hobbs Pharmacy, 22 Mengham Road, Hayling Island, Hants – PO11 9BH
The Village Pharmacy, 2-4 Stubbington Green, Fareham, Hants – PO14 2JQ
Shepherds Spring Pharmacy, Andover, Hampshire – SP10 5DE
The scheme is designed to complement existing national campaigns and communications.
You can register your interest in adopting the Ask for ANI scheme at: www.homeofficesurveys.homeoffice.gov.uk/s/anipharmacy
Guidance is available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help