Several stores have adopted schemes where people in need can use a special code word in order to get the help I need while keeping the exchange low key and private. By asking for Angela in bars and clubs, people who feel vulnerable can get help. And in Boots, pharmacists have bee trained to listen for the code word 'Ani' spoken by domestic abuse survivors.
And now Morrisons is offering a free hot meal to anyone who needs one in all its cafes in a bid to help out those struggling from financial woes amid the cost of living crisis. The supermarket giant has launched the 'ask for Henry' campaign, in partnership with Heinz beans, across all 397 Morrisons cafés, with over 160,000 meals being made available to the public.
The idea is that anyone who ‘asks for Henry’ at a Morrisons café during this time (and whilst stocks last) will receive a hot, hearty jacket potato topped with Heinz beans for free, no questions asked.
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There is no denying that cost of living crisis has affected just about everyone, some more than others, but thankfully a number of hospitality venues have decided to take measures to ensure people don't go without. The special code word aims to be met with support whilst ensuring that the customers needs are met discreetly. Megan Shaw from Yorkshire Live decided to try the scheme out for herself and headed to her nearest Morrisons.
She said: "I was so nervous and felt embarrassed of what people would think of me, which I'm very aware is not a bad problem to have when the heart-wrenching and humbling reality is that some people don't have a choice. I approached the till to be greeted with a smile from a friendly staff member who asked me what I would like, I said 'I have been told I can ask for Henry?'
"The staff member smiled and repeated back to me at a low volume 'A Henry? Of course you can'. She immediately handed me a table number and told me to take a seat anywhere I liked. I had been so nervous and gone over and over what I was going to say in my head and I needn't have worried.
"She brought over the hot meal in minutes with a smile and said 'enjoy'. I felt instantly at ease and no different to any other paying customer who was in there. The meal was simple but really nice, healthy and filling. The jacket potato was cooked to perfection and was filled with an ample amount of beans and served with a tasty side salad. I left feeling full, warm and with my dignity in tact.
"The staff couldn't have been kinder and the whole process was easy, straightforward and discreet. As I was eating my meal I noticed an elderly man go to the till and also order a Henry for himself, he was treated with the same level of kindness and customer service as I had been. I was really pleased to see that the scheme is able to help those in need, it was good to see it in action and while sadly, the help from this collaboration is a drop in the ocean in fixing the wider problem, I will certainly sleep better tonight knowing that man has a warm meal in his belly and, thanks to Morrisons, many others do too.
"Overall, I was really impressed with the service I received from staff, the quality of meal and the general experience and I would urge anyone who needs it to please do so without hesitation."
As Megan didn't need the meal in reality and didn't want to take it from somebody who does, she offered to pay for it afterwards. She was told: "I was told by the very friendly staff that they didn't have an option to process payment for the meal on the till and that it would not be necessary. Therefore, I donated the cost of the meal, which would have cost me £4.48, in the charity box instead.
"I asked the staff how the scheme has been going and if they have had many people using it. One staff member told me it has been very popular, especially at after school time where they have seen a lot of single parents come in to the café with their children to make use of the offer."
