Our Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Trustees have worked tremendously hard over the 10 years since the start of CNI simply to keep up with the requests from countless towns and cities to help set up Street Angels and Club Angels projects across the UK. Police, council, public services and private businesses recognise the value of working alongside local churches to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour in the night-time economy period and beyond, and this partnership working provides a wonderful opportunity for the local Christian community to reach out into their towns in the way that only they can do – by taking the love of Christ into those situations and simply loving the person in front of them!
This success has extended into Festival Angels providing a caring presence at large-scale music events in recent years, with the likelihood of similar requests to follow as organisers witness the positive results of our presence by keeping people safe and offering comfort and support when in need. CNI trustees and board members recognise the need to ensure that our charity can meet the growing needs and support processes of existing projects and the continuing demand for more of the same. Securing a robust organisational framework and sound financial governance are our core aims over the next 12 months. With this in mind, we are keen to invite suitable individuals onto our board at our next Annual General Meeting, which is in September 2018. We are particularly interested in enhancing trustee skills and knowledge in relation to finance, fundraising, charity law, employment and human resource management. A personal Christian faith is highly desirable, and a practical knowledge of Street Angels projects would be helpful but is not essential. Trustee-ship is a voluntary role and essential to the good governance and development of CNI. Trustees are entitled to claim reasonable expenses incurred in connection with their role. If you would like to know more about the trustee role or are already inspired to support CNI in this capacity, please don’t hesitate to contact Steve Brock, Chair of the Board of Trustees, at [email protected] of via mobile on 07526 641796. Source
BOLTON Street Angels made their last patrol at Christmas time and now they have made presentations of their remaining money to two charities. The charity donated £3,400 each to Zac’s Bar, a youth project in Farnworth, and Fortalice women’s refuge. Bolton Street Angels founder Adrienne Tonge is pictured with Gaye Gerrard presenting a cheque to Gill Smallwood and Christine Maxwell Hodkinson of Fortalice women’s refuge. Gaye was a Street Angel in the early years of the project and also a founder of Fortalice back in the 1977 with her friend the late Pat Lewis. It was great to be part of SHINE2 (Sharing Hope In Nighttime Economy) on Saturday in Reading. You can follow the Twitter conversation of the day #SHINE2 here.
Below is a report from Churches Together in Camberley: A few of us attended the SHINE2 event in Reading – it was a truly encouraging day. With Street Pastors & Angels from as far as Boscombe, Bournemouth, Basingstoke, Reading, Aldershot, Windsor, Maidenhead, Fleet and more. Paul Blakey MBE – founder of Street Angels in Halifax and CNI network facilitated the day and the Keynote speakers were : Les Isaacs (CEO of Street Pastors) & Steve Clifford (General Director of the Evangelical Alliance) we were so blessed to have these 3 in one room on one day. Les spoke about how Jesus only did what the father showed him (John 5: 19-20) and so it is for us, we need to pray to know what God is asking us to do as we will be ineffective unless we do what our Father shows us. Steve Clifford spoke about being sent (John 20: 19-23) and how we may feel we have been disqualified for some reason – yet God calls us the ordinary to do the extraordinary and how we need the Holy Spirit with us. He celebrated how the church makes up the majority of volunteering with Food banks, Youth Work, Debt Counselling, Addiction Recovery and Homelessness. We had Insights from many other Street Angel and Street Pastor groups. One or two in particular struck me – Rail Pastors (working with British Transport Police) Incidents have reduced by 30 % since their project started, also Windsor and Maidenhead shared stories of being on the streets the night of the Royal wedding and helping a Blind & mute person who had come and was in a wheel chair!!!! Paul Blakey told a story of the Norwich Street Angels being called over by staff at the Railway station, they had a young Mexican lady who had come to the UK as a result of a man who she met on the internet and who paid her fare to get here. When she arrived she discovered he was trapping her into being his sexual slave. She had managed to escape and got as far as the Station – the street angels got her to Norwich Airport and miraculously got an airline to fly her back to Mexico free of Charge. WOW! In the Afternoon we had very interesting & informative talk by Suzette Jones (Health & Wellbeing adviser for the Diocese of Guildford) about Modern Day Slavery & Human Trafficking. Here is a number to put in your phones 0800 012 1700 & www.modernslaveryhelpline.org should you suspect anyone of being trapped in this situation (Car Wash & Nail bars especially) there is a Safe car wash APP you can use to help track down the Car Washes that use Trapped workers https://www.theclewerinitiative.org/safecarwash & here is a thought provoking video https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=66&v=I6OddIYjQ-E After some networking and Sharing we closed in prayer. Source
A night out in Aylesbury is one of the best and safest nights out in the country! The town centre has won a purple flag for the fourth year running. It's one of 70 places around the UK to get the award for having a safe town centre with a good night out. The Association of Town and City Management only hands out the award to 70 towns and cities around the UK and Ireland. They recognise a safe town centre that offers a quality night out. Assessors also look at traffic management and the look and feel of the town centre. Their report heaped praise on Aylesbury's town centre, highlighting key achievements including:
Councillor Angela Macpherson, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "This is great news for Aylesbury town centre and confirms that Aylesbury continues to be a fun and safe place to enjoy a night out. "I am so proud that the hard work of the Aylesbury Town Centre Partnership has been recognised as they continue to maintain the town centre as a safe place to enjoy and visit in the evening. "We want to encourage an even greater range of evening and night-time businesses to get involved and support the partnership - so please do get in touch." Max Hailey, Chair of AVTP (and MD of Mix96) said: "The renewal of the Purple Flag status for the fourth time is fantastic news for the people of Aylesbury. "Everyone in the Aylesbury Town Centre Partnership, including town centre venues, have continued to work exceptionally hard to maintain this important accreditation. "As a result, the town centre continues to provide a safe place with a vibrant atmosphere in which people can live, work and enjoy themselves."
Saturday 9th June, 9.30am - 2.30pm at Lifespring Church, 143-145 Oxford Road, Reading, RG1 7UY Book via Eventbrite - click here A celebration of the work of local Christian late-night street projects such as Street Pastors and Street Angels, offering help & hope to those who are in need at night on the streets of our towns. Be inspired by the life-changing work of the Street Pastors & Street Angel groups in the south-east – help us to celebrate 10 years since the Street Angel groups started ‘making city streets like new again’! Unmissable keynote speakers – rare opportunity to hear these three visionaries:
Come and be encouraged by testimonies from our wonderful volunteers, about what God is doing in the heart of our towns at night. A fantastic opportunity for groups to share their experiences together, learning from each other. This event will be of interest to anyone who cares about christianity in action, is running practical similar projects or is interested in finding out more about the work of Street Pastors and Street Angels. ALL ARE WELCOME - just come and be inspired! Plus FREE LUNCH, but please tell us that you are coming by reserving your FREE ticket by 1 June 2018 to enable us to plan the catering arrangements. If you can respond earlier that would be a huge help! Thank you so much, we are looking forward to seeing you! FAQs What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event? Lifespring Church is located in the centre of Reading, only 15 minutes walk from the main railway station. If you travel by car, we suggest you use the park & ride, as local town centre car parks are more expensive. www.reading-buses.co.uk/park-and-ride-bus-fares/ www.reading-buses.co.uk/files/park%20and%20ride/greenwave%20Mereoak%20park%20and%20ride%20map.pdf LEAVE A LITTLE LONGER for your journey; 10 - 15 minutes into the centre of Reading, from the Park & Ride car parks. Car sharing encouraged! - (see link above, & timetable for details of departure times). Facebook Event Page Event Poster Source
South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck has given her backing to a group of volunteers who help keep revellers in the town safe. Mrs Lewell-Buck joined the South Tyneside Street Angels on Saturday night as they patrolled the streets of South Shields. The voluntary organisation, led by June Valente, works with Northumbria Police, the ambulance service and door security staff on Saturday nights. Volunteers help a variety of people, including rough sleepers, the vulnerable and those who are unwell or need support. They carry first aid kits, foil blankets, flip flops and water, and were helped by Mrs Lewell-Buck on their latest shift, which started at 10pm and ended at about 3am. The Street Angels helped a number of people during that time, with first aid treatment administered and support offered to those looking to get home. Mrs Lewell-Buck said: “Firstly, I would like to offer my thanks to June and her team for making me feel so welcome. “South Tyneside Street Angels are a marvellous organisation that plugs a much-needed gap on the streets of Shields. “I haven’t been out that late in the town centre for quite some time and it was a real eye-opener. “However, knowing the Street Angels are there to do everything from clearing potentially-dangerous discarded bottles to giving first aid and supporting those who may be slightly worse for wear, is a real comfort. “I felt a real sense of camaraderie with police, ambulance staff and door security staff, all acknowledging the Street Angels and thanking us for what we did. “I would encourage anyone who is interested to contact June and volunteer.” Street Angels co-ordinator June Valente said: “It was great to meet Emma and have her join us on Saturday night to show her how we work and what we do. “Emma was very interested in what she saw and experienced during her time with us. She is obviously a caring, very hands-on person and was keen to find out what happens in our town centre late Saturday night and the early hours of Sunday morning. “Thank you for your support and we hope you will join us again in the future.” The Street Angels welcome new volunteers. Anyone over the age of 18 with a reasonable level of fitness can sign up, with full training provided. Team members are asked to commit to at least one shift per month. For more details, contact South Tyneside Street Angels co-ordinator June Valente on [email protected]. The Street Angels were established in 2012. 25 volunteers from across Yorkshire and the North West enjoyed an awards, comedy and magic dinner evening at Bridge Community Church in Leeds. The evening included stories from across the region, comedian and magician Tom Elliott and presentation of awards (chocolate trophies and certificates) to those who have gone above and beyond. The volunteers were thanked by our Patron, Bishop Tony Robinson.
The nominations and winners of the Awards (as nominated by local projects): Yorkshire and the North West Wings Award: for someone who has shown exceptional dedication to your project, going above and beyond. Nominees: Lee from Leeds Street Angels / Ian and Kairen from Huddersfield Street Angels / Jimmy and Marcus from Festival Angels Winner: Jimmy and Marcus Special commendation: for a project that deserves recognition. Nominees: Barrow Street Angels / Blackpool Street Angels / Huddersfield Street Angels / Beverley Street Angels Winner: Huddersfield Street Angels Late Night Angel: for an individual who has contributed significant hours and demonstrated commitment. Nominees: Gerald from Hull Princes Avenue Street Angels / Rich from Leeds Street Angels / Paul from Leeds Street Angels / Stuart from Leeds Street Angels Winner: Gerald Compassion Award: for an individual who has shown great care and compassion to those they help Nominees: Sharon from Leeds Street Angels / Ruth from Leeds Street Angels / Tom from Halifax Street Angels Winner: Tom Inspired! for an individual or project that has shown innovation and initiative. Nominees: Blackpool Street Angels / Oldham Street Angels / Dewsbury and district Street Angels / Trevor from Halifax Street Angels Winner: Blackpool Street Angels Late-night 'legend' Margot is 87, but age isn't stopping her late night patrols in Stockton5/8/2018
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She’s the late-night “legend” patrolling Stockton’s streets week after week. Everyone’s granny, Margot Inglis, is the oldest street pastor around. With the Lord by her side, and motivated by “hugs from the boys”, the 87-year-old won’t let the ills of old age and the onset of dementia keep her away. “They say to me ‘if you were my granny you would be in bed with a cup of cocoa’,” said Margot. “I’m just pleased I’m not their granny.” The Gazette followed Margot as she took to Stockton’s streets armed with a first aid kit, flip flops, a pocket full of lollies - and her golden smile. 9.30pm Pulling up in her silver VW Beetle outside the Shambles car park in Stockton High Street, Margot was praying for an early night. After a climb up the steep steps of the Pastors’ GP-surgery-turned-mobile-kitchen, Margot jumped straight into the usual Saturday routine - setting up the kitchen, checking the rota and praying to God. As she prepared mugs of tea, Margot recalled how she answered Stockton Town Pastors’ call for volunteers eight years ago. She said: “I thought they wouldn’t want me. I was in my 70s then. It’s hard to believe I am still hanging out in my 80s. “I suppose I enjoyed it from the word go. I still enjoy it and love the company.” But recounting tales of her eight-year spell with the pastors prompted a sudden admission: “The sad part is my memory. I just can’t remember. It gets worse daily.” She joked: “It’s a mad house. If you weren’t mental before, you will be before you go home.” 10pm A knock at the van door disturbed the conversation. By 10pm, an array of faces, old and new, had started to queue outside the van awaiting sandwiches, biscuits and tea. ‘John, the guitar player’ suffers depression and lives hand to mouth. Another, ‘Chris’, is a Town Pastors success story who just secured a factory job. After the initial rush dispersed, a man on crutches known only as ‘Malcolm’ was allowed to hop on the bus. Ambling up the steps, he pulled up his tracksuit trousers to expose open wounds up his legs. A cup of tea and a Swizzels lolly from Margot was just what he needed. For him, the pastors are a “godsend” he could not live without. Faith and health Margot is a well-known face up and down Stockton High Street. Only her sandwiches, Rocky Road and spicy soup could be more renowned. Helping people is the story of Margot’s life and Christian compassion her driving force. “Part of my prayer every morning is: ‘Lord, if I can help anyone today, put them in my path’,” she said. “I’m very blessed, to be loved by so many and the Lord. Without the Lord, I would not have got this far. My faith is very important. “Even if we don’t get in until 3am, I am up by 8am to get ready to go to church.” Born in 1931, the retired district nurse grew up in Aberdeenshire before finding love while serving in the Royal Navy. Service took her from Scotland to bases around the world, including Malta, Gibraltar and Ceylon, before she settled at a practice in Stockton. Another, more sombre, part of Margot’s prayer every morning is: “Lord, make me into the person I used to be.” Now in her eighties, old age is unfortunately catching up on her. She said: “I have been very, very blessed with good health, I have got no aches, no pains. “It’s only been recently, over the past few years, I started getting memory problems. “Really, I have just gone down hill since then. And my balance.” Midnight patrol As the clock struck midnight, Margot donned her reflective jacket and prepared to head out. Linking arms with fellow volunteers Denise Waugh, 62, and Pat Crozier, 72, she slowly made her way down Finkle Street and passed the micro pubs of Green Dragon Yard. Spotting a section of footpath covered in blood and a lad with a head wound near Ku Bar on Prince Regent Street, it was all systems go for Margot and the team. Thankfully less serious than it looked, a bandage was enough to stem the flow of blood before he was piled into the back of a taxi. Trips, falls and aching feet are typical late-night ailments for the Town Pastors. While some require a 999 response, others can be dealt with by flip flops. “It’s quite good when you’re out on the streets because of the conversations you have with people,” said Margot. “I’ve never really had any problems. Just a few marriage proposals.” After a walk through Regency West Mall and a slow meander past merry revellers packed along Blue Post Yard, the 40-minute patrol was complete. Home time and the future “I would miss it,” said Margot as she let out a little yawn. “But I sometimes feel it’s maybe a bit much. “I don’t want to be a liability to them. I’ll keep going until I get past my birthday. I’ll wait and see how I’m progressing. “I would miss it,” said Margot as she let out a little yawn. “But I sometimes feel it’s maybe a bit much. “I don’t want to be a liability to them. I’ll keep going until I get past my birthday. I’ll wait and see how I’m progressing. “The better weather is coming, but I can’t think I will be here next winter.” For now, at least, Stockton’s oldest street pastor continues on. Signing off at 1am, Margot told the team: “I’ll see you in a fortnight!” The newest team of Street Angels based in Wilmington, North Carolina went out on patrol for the first time on Saturday 28th April 2018. The team are starting patrols in the daytime and will move to night-time over the next few weeks.
People from across Northern Ireland gathered in Lurgan for a day to celebrate and hear about projects working within the night-time economy. The day opened with keynote speaker Stephen Cargin who shared about his experiences working in the PSNI and how his Christian faith helped him within this difficult work. Throughout the day we heard from projects in Cookstown, Bangor, Hollywood, Newtownards, Belfast, Banbridge, Lurgan, Lower Shankill, Coleraine and the Causeway Coast. Our afternoon keynote speaker was Keeva Watson from ROC Northern Ireland who shared stories and encouraged people and projects to think of ways we can work together. Alongside opportunity for networking and lunch the day was a great success of equipping and celebrating.
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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 |