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PLANS for good Samaritans to patrol the streets of Oswestry and offer a helping hand to vulnerable revellers are becoming reality. Tony Durnell, of Oswestry Street Angels, said that the group is in talks with Shropshire Council for a town centre base. Co-founder Tony Durnell said: "No matter how many people there are helping it always take time and effort to do it right, no more so than our Oswestry Street Angels project that is slowly but surely becoming a reality. "Shropshire Council are in talks with us at this moment regarding finding us a town centre base, that we will use as a ‘safe place’ on patrol, also a place where we can either request taxis, parents or friends to help get the most vulnerable home in a safe and proper manner." Mr Durnell and Glen Perkins – also part of Shropshire Street Angels –formed the group after discussions with the Oswestry Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team and John Campion, police and crime Commissioner for West Mercia. Mr Durnell added that a Mothers Union group near Oswestry will for goods that to run the operation We have been advised to writ to the Mayor of Oswestry to see if the Town Council might find some cash to help such as a start up grant.. Mr Durnell added: “We still need more people to come forward and give us approximately six to seven hours on a Saturday night, one Saturday per month. "We are looking to try and recruit 20, they have to be eighteen years or above, we do not ask if they are male or female, we do not ask what faith they have or not but we do have to have everyone checked by the DBS. "What matters is that you want to do something within the community to help your community to be a safer place to live, work and be entertained in." The groups says that Mr Campion backs the Oswestry Street Angels fully and has offered any help needed to make it a success. "He has also ring fenced a sum of money to help cover some of our start up expenses that will be managed by his local community ambassador, Graham Oliver," Mr Durnell added. Both Tony and Glen hope that the Churches Together in Oswestry will become part of the partnership. Anyone interested in the Street Angels project can call 01743 360 593 or email [email protected] A warm welcome was given to the new Guildford Chaplains, Street and Community Angels at a commissioning and dedication service at St Mary's Church on Sunday 4th Nov in Guildford. Amongst the guests were local MP Anne Milton, Deputy Mayor, Richard Billington and representatives of Guildford Police. Rod Boreham GTCC Chaplain led the service with contributions from Fiona Ford, Rachel Guilford and Rev Andrew Wheeler gave the address. After the service over 100 volunteers and guests enjoyed cakes and other refreshments together.
Police offer Counter Terrorism training for staff and volunteers working at places of worship10/26/2018
Police offer Counter Terrorism training for staff and volunteers working at places of worship
Counter Terrorism Police are calling on places of worship to take part in an innovative new training scheme that is proving a hit with major shopping and entertainment venues. The package – free to use and developed in partnership with retail giant Marks & Spencer – aims to equip workers in crowded places with knowledge to help prevent terror attacks. Fifteen hundred companies nationwide have already signed up. Called ACT Awareness e-Learning, the training covers how to spot the signs of suspicious behaviour and what to do if a major incident should take place. Free to use, the package can be divided into short sections to suit business or service needs. However, it takes just three quarters of an hour to complete – 45 vital minutes that could save lives. Last year 36 people were killed and many more were injured in five separate incidents in London and Manchester. One of the attacks involved a group of worshipers outside a mosque. One man lost his life and many others were injured. Police are now asking leaders of all faith institutions – especially those who host large congregations – to encourage staff and volunteers to take part. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Lucy D’Orsi, national lead for Protective Security, says: “There is no specific intelligence to say that places of worship are particularly at risk but sadly we have seen that attacks can take place anywhere at any time. All locations that attract large numbers of people should take steps to help protect their staff and visitors.” Manchester suffered the largest loss of life in last year’s attacks, when 22 people died in an explosion at a pop concert. The city’s cathedral was one of the first organisations across the UK to sign up to the scheme. The Dean of Manchester, the Very Reverend Rogers Govender, says: “The online training shows staff in simple terms what to look out for and what to do if the worst should happen. “It’s basic and free advice that could save lives. I would encourage others across all faiths to ask their employees and volunteer workers to take part. We all need to play our part in helping to keep our communities safe.” Organisations wanting more information, or to apply for registration, should visit the National Counter Terrorism Security Office website - www.gov.uk/government/organisations/national-counter-terrorism-security-office Source
WHEN darkness casts its cloak city streets can appear intimidating. Watching revellers spilling out of the bars and restaurants - many with smiles on their faces - paints a different perspective to the negative image we may have of any city centre at night. The social side is one of the many aspects which appealed to Anne Griffin when she decided to join the Street Angels in her home city of Bradford. Street Angels was set up by the city centre churches in 2007. The organisation works with the police, ambulance service, pubs and clubs keeping people safe on the city’s streets. It was, recalls Anne, a newspaper article in the T&A that prompted her to get involved over a year ago. They were seeking recruits and Anne, who leads a very active life anyway, was keen to see what the role entailed. She attended a meeting, went on a shift and decided it was something she would like to do. Anne is in her early 70s and possibly one of the group’s oldest volunteers which demonstrates how age isn’t a barrier either. The only criteria is volunteers have to be 18 or over. “It is really friendly - we are all from different walks of life,” explains Anne. She suits the role perfectly as she enjoys walking. Volunteers stroll around the city centre on Friday evenings. Easily identifiable with their ‘Street Angels’ branded fluorescent clothing, Street Angels provide a comforting presence on one of the busiest social evenings of the week. Patrolling in teams of three or four they are a listening ear to those who need to talk, or can provide support to the more vulnerable people they see during their patrol of the city’s streets. Anne says they provide an approachable presence, some examples of the type of experiences they encounter during a night patrol include stepping in to wait with an elderly couple while their relative went to collect the car following a family outing to the theatre; helping young girls to get home safely following a night out with friends, or assisting and supporting someone who may have collapsed in the street or who may be ill to get medical assistance. “The commitment is once a month or once every two months but we are short of volunteers.” explains Anne. A change in circumstances can result in people not being able to commit the time anymore, but for those who are thinking of fulfilling the role it is certainly rewarding - according to Anne. “I just love it,” says Anne, whose enthusiasm is indicative of her fondness for her Street Angel’s role. “I like chatting with people.” “It’s part of what I do. “I look at it as my night out because I thoroughly enjoy it.” Anne’s advice to anyone contemplating becoming a Street Angel is to accompany them on a shift and see if it is for you: “Come along with us,” she says. “It has opened up a completely new avenue for me. I would never have come into Bradford at night and I have seen a completely different city.” There are currently 60 volunteers on the Bradford Street Angels active list, but they are always looking for more recruits to maintain the service. Chris Swale, admin officer with Bradford Street Angels explains volunteers are ‘crucial’ for them to keep the service going. The organisation holds initiatives such as the UBU Freshers Fair, which Anne and her fellow Street Angels attended, to raise the profile of the organisation and to recruit more volunteers. “The commitment we ask for is just to patrol whenever they can: once a month would be ideal but is not always possible as most people have family commitments, work etc,” explains Chris. Paul Sunderland, chairman of Bradford Street Angels, adds: “Our volunteers are the heartbeat of the charity. Without these amazing dedicated people, who are willing to give their own time and energy to keep the vulnerable of our great city safe, then Bradford Street Angels would be no more. “We do, however need to keep recruiting new volunteers to ensure everyone can have a break.” For anyone wanting to get involved in Bradford Street Angels, or to find out more information visit [email protected], contact the group through Facebook or visit bradfordstreetangels,org.uk. The new Angels Rest facility in Blackpool is taking shape - the Blackpool & the Fylde Street Angels have a massive vision to help some of the most vulnerable in the resort and are working in partnership with others towards that! Thanks to Kings Church Blackpool for an amazing weekend of painting, etc....
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On Friday (19/10) officers from Thames Valley Police were joined by South Central Ambulance Service, local charities and Councillors from the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead to launch a new Safety Hub in Windsor. The initiative, which is being led by Thames Valley Police, provides additional support at night for vulnerable people in and around the town centre. Based at Windsor Baptist Church on Victoria Street, the Safety Hub will be open every Friday night into Saturday morning and Saturday night into Sunday morning between 10pm and 3am. In addition those in need will also be welcomed on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Any person requiring respite, refuge, or first aid will be able to access support at this safe location. The facility enhances the service already being provided by the Windsor Street Angels. Working with local partners, these volunteers patrol the streets to ensure people in the night time community have a safe and pleasant experience and those in need receive help. Inspector Louise Warbrick, from the Windsor Neighbourhood team, said: “This is a great example of how multi-agency partners are working together to improve night time safety for the local community and visitors to Windsor. “The facility has been opened ahead of the clocks going back, so that we can support the vulnerable during the cold winter nights ahead. “By combining resources all under one roof, we can ensure that those in need receive help while reducing demand for emergency services during peak periods.” Windsor Street Angels Co-ordinator, Police Community Support Officer David Bullock, said: “The new Safety Hub complements our wonderful team of patrolling volunteers so that we can help even more vulnerable people. The team provides a range of support from supplying water and blankets through to administering first aid or simply allowing people to talk about their problems. “The Street Angels can often help to calm situations before they escalate and connect people with relevant support agencies when required. For example, the charity, DASH, can offer help and advice for people suffering from domestic abuse, while mentors from Cranstoun empower people to make positive change in their life. “In a typical year the Street Angels help over 4,000 people and distribute 1,000 pairs of flip flops and 900 bottles of water.” For more information about the work of the Windsor Street Angels, please visit www.streetangelswindsor.org Source - also featured in The Mail.
Barrow Street Angels are a group of approximately 15 volunteers who go out in Barrow town centre in two teams of three every Saturday night. Wearing orange hi-vis coats they patrol the Cavendish Street area until the early hours, and are often still out and about until 3.45am. They distribute bottles of water, offer minor first aid and give out flip-flops to ladies who are struggling to walk in their high heels as well as offering lollies to people which helps build good public relations. The good hearted Street Angels are also there to help distraught people and those requiring medical assistance as well as calling ambulances and putting people into a taxi home or to A&E. Street Angels was formed when Reverend Sophie Carnaby, the chaplain for Cumbria Constabulary in Barrow, and Reverend Jonny Gios of Kendal Methodist Church, working independently, had conversations with Police Superintendent Rob O’Connor and the Police and Crime Commissioner respectively. They began working together and invited Paul Blakey MBE of Christian Nightlife Initiatives Network to meet up to discuss the possibility of having Street Angels in Barrow. A collaboration between churches, charities, Barrow BID and other interested parties was formed and after relevant training, the Street Angels team was launched. Paul Blakey MBE said: ”Congratulations to Barrow Street Angels for their wonderful work over the last year. Thanks to the super volunteers for giving their time and care to people on a Saturday evening, and for helping to make Barrow town centre a safer place.” Temporary Chief Superintendent Rob O’Connor was thrilled with the Street Angel’s ongoing success. “In early 2017 the idea of having the Street Angels in the Barrow area was first discussed, and it has gone from strength to strength since then. I am full of admiration, and gratitude, to all the Street Angels who give up their Saturday nights and other nights over Christmas and Bank Holiday weekends for free, for the good of the people of Barrow. “Without doubt the Street Angels has been a fantastic success. Not only have they saved my officers and other statutory services time by being there and dealing with people who have lost their friends or are the worst for wear, their presence also seems to have a calming influence on the crowd. “As the Street Angels approach their first anniversary, I would like to publically thank them, not only on behalf of Cumbria Constabulary, but also on behalf of the wider public of the Barrow area who come into Barrow on a Saturday night to enjoy the night time economy in a safe environment, and the Street Angels make a significant contribution to that. “These are a small group, and for it to continue to be a success I would encourage people to make contact with the Barrow Street Angels with a view to assisting them by offering up some of your time, as it is incredibly rewarding, and I am genuinely humbled by the service they deliver.” Reverend Sophie Carnaby, Barrow Street Angels Co-ordinator added “Our aims include reducing violence and antisocial behaviour on a Saturday night, helping to reduce unnecessary ambulance callouts and A&E visits. We find that providing flip flops helps too, by helping to prevent people from falling over or cutting their feet if walking barefoot. We also clear up any broken glass which helps to reduce potential injuries. Another aim is to ensure that people get home safely, so we often assist people to taxis and ensure that vulnerable people are not taken advantage of, thereby hopefully reducing thefts, assaults and other incidents. “We use a borrowed minibus as a base and store for our supplies. We have been operational for twelve months now and most of us thoroughly enjoy our shifts. Our youngest Street Angel is in his early 20’s and the oldest is in his early 80’s. We are currently looking for an indoor base from which we can help people who may require medical assistance or help. Premises near to Cavendish Street would be ideal and we need it for a duration of four months. We need somewhere we can use between the hours of 11pm and 4am, which is when we are out and about.” If you can offer a base for the Street Angels or you would like to join the team you can contact Sophie Carnaby by email: [email protected] Source (with video)
Street Angels have been helping revellers in Huddersfield town centre for over 10 years but due to falling numbers it needs help. Ian Atkinson, chairman of Street Angels Huddersfield said entry was available to anyone aged over 18. Anyone interested is then invited to join one of its teams as an observer. The service has been a vital lifeline for all sorts of people over the years from those have drunk too much and need reassurance or First Aid to helping those who have been injured in disturbances. But they’re not there to break up fights, deal with violent situations or arrest wrong-doers. They are an extra pair of eyes for the police and patrol the town centre. They are there to scrape up revellers who’ve had far too much to drink, defuse potentially difficult situations and summon an ambulance if needed. It’s not uncommon for them to call a taxi to ensure that the severely-inebriated get home safely. The Street Angels movement was launched in Halifax in 2005 by Paul Blakey after he decided to do something about the Wild West of Yorkshire reputation that his home town had acquired. Ian said: “This will give you the opportunity to see first hand what we do and an opportunity to ask any questions you might have. “Street Angels Huddersfield, are a Churches Together initiative. We are based in the Methodist Mission Café, Lords Street, Huddersfield . “We patrol parts of the town centre on Saturday nights between 10pm and 2am in teams of three or four people. Training is mainly on the job, and we also run First Aid courses as and when required. “Assistance can be as simple as offering directions, through to administering First Aid. We regularly give out slippers to ladies who find their shoes too uncomfortable to wear out on the street where there is often broken glass and vomit. “Bottled water is often given out to people who are dehydrated or who have been sick and want to swill out their mouths. We also remove bottles and glasses of the street. “In winter we often provide foil blankets to people who have become vulnerable. If you think this might be for you contact us now and we will arrange for you to join a team as soon as possible. I look forward to seeing you.” For further information, contact Ian on 07821759802 or by email, [email protected] You can also follow the Angels on facebook @streetangelshuddersfield |
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ROC Angels - an initiative of ROC (Redeeming Our Communities)
Charity - 1139817 / Registered Company - 7327258 Postal Address: ROC Angels, c/o The King's Centre, Park Rd, Halifax, HX1 2TS E-Mail: [email protected] (founder / CEO) / Phone: 07725501465 |