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Volunteer "guardian angels" aim to help revellers stay safe on a night out in Huddersfield town centre They’re Huddersfield’s Christmas angels. While revellers celebrated the festive season in town centre pubs and clubs, members of Huddersfield Street Angels were on hand to help them stay safe. Volunteer members of the group – formed almost 10 years ago as an initiative of Huddersfield Churches Together – usually patrol the town centre on Saturday nights to provide help for anyone who becomes vulnerable while out partying. This year, two teams of Street Angels were out and about for “Mad Friday” on December 23. Two teams will also be on patrol on New Year’s Eve. Help offered by the Street Angels can range from giving directions to administering first aid, providing bottled water for people feeling dehydrated, blankets for people feeling the cold or sick bags for people who’ve overdone the drink and have to travel home by car. Chairman Ian Atkinson said there have been no major incidents to report so far over the Christmas and New Year. One woman was given a pair of slippers to wear rather than risk treading on broken glass in her bare feet after her high heels became too uncomfortable while another needed help tracking down her friends after becoming separated from them. It meant there was time to hand out cakes and buns to busy bar staff at a number of pubs in town. “The idea is that at the end of the night the bar staff can sit down, have a drink and have a few mince pies on us,” said Ian. “This is the third year we have taken cakes round. We put an email out to churches and asked them to donate and we always get a good response.” The Street Angels – identifiable by their orange high-vis jackets – patrol in threes or fours and are based at the Mission Cafe in Lord Street. Ian added: “We usually set up about 9.40pm and start patrolling close to 10pm until midnight when we come back to the cafe for a coffee and – at this time of year – to warm up. Then we’re out on the streets until about 2am or 3am. “We will have been going 10 years next March. There are about 12 or 15 of us out regularly and it’s really nice because people now know who we are. We liaise with the police, but we’re there to make sure people having a good time get home safely. We can also have a laugh and a joke with people.” Ian said “misconceptions” about the town’s nightlife deterred some potential recruits from joining. “People hear stories about how something happens in town and think it is a really violent place,” he said. “It isn’t at all. You get the occasional incident, but for a town of our size there really isn’t much trouble at all. “You learn on the job – by going out and seeing the town centre isn’t really as bad as some people might think. We walk a fair few miles on a night, but what really matters is being able to talk to people – and listen to them as well.” From Anne - coordinator Redcar Beacons:
Boxing Day Dip challenge for 2017. I am the Project Manager for Redcar Beacons & after the success of the dip this year organised by Redcar Rotary Club I am going to do the dip in 2017 to raise money for CNI (Christian Nightlife Initiative) the network of which we are a part. I would like to hear from other people willing to raise money for this cause, especially other street angel volunteers from Guisborough, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough & Stockton projects & even from the other 130 projects across the UK. You will receive a great welcome from Redcar & as you can see from the blue sky & happy faces after the dip, it is a fun thing to do. All projects make a difference to community safety & well being & the aim of CNI who have already set up a project in Magaluf is to facilitate & support even more projects. Let me know if you are going to join me in what will be my bucket list event for my 65th year. Source
VOLUNTEERS have shone a torch on their work offering a helping hand to revellers in Carmarthen. The Nightlight team features in the latest Dyfed-Powys Police's Operation Safe and Nice to All (Op SANTA) advent calendar, which were opened every day leading up to Christmas on the social media channels. Street team leader Neil Duquemin and Steering Committee member Reverend Flis Randall have spoken about the reasons they volunteer with church-run Nightlight. "I first got involved when my church was asked to get on board with a steering group to set up Nightlight," Mr Duquemin said. "I wanted to be part of the team out on the street as I wanted to give something back, to be able to help and be part of our community. They can be found from 11pm in the town centre, "Our roles are varied, from handing out water, flip flops and lollipops, to picking up bottles and glasses that have been left on the floor, and offering basic first aid, for example if someone has cut themselves on a piece of glass." Both Mr Duquemin and Rev Randall said that parents would be reassured to know there are people keeping an eye on youngsters out in town. "One of my main reasons for volunteering is that if there is a mum or dad at home wondering if their child is ok, it's not just the police or door staff, but someone independent keeping an eye out," Mr Duquemin said. Rev Randall added: "I'm very glad to know there are people on the streets of Carmarthen should one of my children be in need. We have helped a lot of young people." Nightlight generally receive positive reactions, Mr Duquemin said, with people they help often thanking them later. "We do get people who will contact us on Facebook or the following weekend and say thank you for rescuing them," he said. The team is run by volunteers and organisers are always happy to hear from people who would like to help out. "We do need volunteers and we are very grateful if people want to get involved – just come and have a word with us if you'd like to find out more." The Nightlight team can be contacted on [email protected] Throughout December Dyfed-Powys Police is offering advice on how to enjoy Christmas safely. For a daily dose of crime prevention advice, a behind the scenes look at policing during Christmas and a bit of festive fun, look out for their #OpSanta advent calendar at www.facebook.com/DPPPolice or @DyfedPowys on Twitter. Source
TWO pubgoers were knocked out with a single blow after accidentally bumping into other customers on nights out in Bolton One victim was reported to have been unconscious for four hours following the attack. Bolton volunteer group Street Angels fears the assaults are evidence of a rise in so-called ‘coward punches’. Suzanne McKinley was one of the volunteers called to assist the victims while on patrol. She and the other Street Angels were called to Bradshawgate outside The Swan pub on and found a man in his early 20s unconscious on the ground. It is understood he had been headbutted and punched after bumping into someone. Ms McKinley said: “He was lying unconscious but roused for a short period of time and sat up and said his name and then fell unconscious again. “He had a mark on his face where his cheek was swollen and we wondered if he had fractured his eye socket, but as far as we know he didn’t. “His mother later said he was unconscious for four hours at Salford Royal Hospital.” The second incident happened the same night in Deansgate outside the Eagle and Castle pub where the victim, a man in his late 40s or early 50s, was found unconscious in the middle of the road with a lump on the back of his head. Ms McKinley said: “He was an older guy out with his wife and some friends and he had accidentally stumbled into the girlfriend of another man and that man had turned round and punched him. Some friends had chased the man but he managed to get away.” She said: “It seems to be happening more and more. People just seem to lash out very easily and there seems to be a lot more flashes of rage and people going out looking for a fight. “These cases seem to be where guys have stumbled into someone by accident and they have got knocked out. “’Coward punch’ is a term used in Australia, where I used to live and work, for a sucker-punch knockout. “It used to be known as a ‘king hit’ but got re-branded as a reminder to people that it may only be one punch but that one punch can kill.” A third incident happened inside The Swan pub and the Street Angels turned up to find the victim, a man in his 30s, being comforted and observed by one of the pub’s bouncers on the steps of the venue. Ms McKinley said: “From what I’m told he was hit from behind. “The man refused to give us details like his name, and refused to talk to us and did not want us to call him an ambulance. “He got up and walked away and we saw him get into a taxi. He asssured us he was fine.” The Street Angels patrol in hi-vis livered jackets on Saturdays and some holidays between 10pm and 3am to dish out water, tea, plasters, flip-flops and anti-drink tampering devices and to accompany lone women and ensure partygoers get home safely. Ms McKinley said: “I was on patrol last night and there seems to be lots of fights going on for very little reason. “I don’t want to portray Bolton as a really violent and aggressive town but these things are really happening.” Police also revealed they are looking for a man who committed other crimes on Christmas Day. The police want to speak to Reece Smith, aged 31, of Bolton. He is sought on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm and criminal damage at a number of addresses on Sunday December 25. Anyone with any information about Smith’s whereabouts is asked to contact police on 0161 856 5608, 101 or via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Source
MALTON and Norton Street Angels have welcomed two new team leaders. Ruth Hardy and Marilyn Sandall have taken over from Tony and Janet White, who are leaving the area. PC Jane Jones, of Malton Police, said; "We are now entering the fourth year of patrolling in Malton and Norton. "We are sorry to say goodbye to the team leaders Tony and Janet as they have done a fantastic job over the last three years and they gave a lot of their spare time towards Street Angel. "Street Angels would like to say a big thank you to them and wish them luck in their new venture." Street Angels go out on patrol on a Saturday night in Malton and Norton handing out flip flops and water. They pick up glass bottles and reassure the members of the public. The volunteers give up one or two evenings a month. Anyone aged over 18 who is interested in getting involved should phone PC Jones on 101. Blanket Angels (see the label!) from Chichester College have made these gorgeous blankets for rough sleepers. Stonepillow gave some to City Angels to give out to those most in need on the streets over Christmas. Source
As partygoers get into the festive spirit this Christmas, Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner is urging them to spare a thought for the volunteers keeping them safe on the streets. Dozens of selfless volunteers will be giving up their time during the holidays to make sure people on the streets of Middlesbrough, Stockton and Redcar get home safely. PCC Barry Coppinger is sending his thanks to volunteers from Redcar Beacons, Boro Angels, Stockton Town Pastors and Hartlepool Town Pastors ahead of a number of busy weekends in the region’s pubs and clubs. Mr Coppinger said: “These selfless volunteers give up their free time over the festive period to ensure vulnerable people stay safe on the streets. “While they will help anyone in need, I would urge people heading out during the festive period to take care of themselves and their friends by drinking sensibly and sticking together. “It’s important that people spare a thought for the volunteers and endeavour to make the Christmas festivities safe and enjoyable for all.” Anne Connelly, Co-ordinator for Redcar Beacons, said: “We are extremely busy this time of year dealing with people who become vulnerable from drinking too much and sometimes combining that with drugs. “This can lead to them being sick, wandering in traffic, injuring themselves and losing their belongings. “My advice to partygoers is to keep a close eye on drinks to prevent spiking, stick together with friends and look out for each other. “Have fun but ask for help if you need it.” Redcar Beacons can be seen around Redcar Town Centre, can be contacted via door staff or visited at their office at Lifeline, just along from Gemini Pizza House. In emergencies please dial 999. Source
Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner spent Friday night (25/11) helping to keep revellers safe in Leeds City Centre with the Street Angels. Mark joined Leeds Street Angels at their headquarters in the Holy Trinity Church on Boar Lane for a briefing before hitting the streets. The Street Angel teams had a busy night and helped four revellers get home safely, assisted two people to get medical treatment and helped a homeless man, who was distressed, settle down for the night. They also gave out a foil blanket to a shivering reveller, six bottles of water, six pairs of flip flops to people walking through town with no shoes on, gave directions to sixteen people and disposed of nineteen glass bottles. Leeds Street Angels launched in January 2012 and helps to make Leeds City Centre a safer place to be on a night out and reduce crime. The teams are out every Friday and the occasional Saturday nights from 10pm to 3am and work alongside other agencies to provide practical care, listening ears and look out for people as they work and play in all the city has to offer. They are also often asked to provide support to large city wide events such as the opening of the Leeds Arena and the Gay Pride festival. Mark said: "Leeds Street Angels do a fantastic job, working a long side other agencies such as the police, to keep Leeds City Centre safe and feeling safe. "It was great to join them for a night shift and see first-hand the really valuable work they do in the city centre. I am constantly impressed that people across West Yorkshire are prepared to give up their time in all kinds of weather conditions to make sure that people are supported and protected and that our communities are safer places for us all to enjoy." Leeds Street Angel, Andrew Shepherd said: "It was great to have the Crime Commissioner with us for the night and to show him what Leeds Street Angels do. We couldn't be successful without the help we get from the other organisations also working to make Leeds a safe place at night and it was good to learn about the bigger picture from the time we spent with him. " To find out more about Leeds Street Angels visit www.leedsstreetangels.org.uk. Merry Christmas Newsletter from CNI Network - click here (Manchester Street Angels in The Sun and on BBC1's Christmas City, #StaySafe campaign, CNI Network family of projects saves the health service £4,296,000 in December and much more...)
Beach Mission is brand new to the CNI Network and is from the Netherlands. They are organizing mission trips for the third year to popular holiday resorts in Spain. The destinations for 2017 are Salou, Lloret de Mar and Blanes:
11-18 April Salou 8-15 July Blanes 15-22 July Lloret de Mar 22-29 July Lloret de Mar 29 July - 5 August Salou The approach is to help vulnerable young people in the night time economy and to have conversations about the faith in Jesus. People that have drunk too much get a bottle of water, flip flops or a shoulder to lean on with help to get home safely. After a conversation people are invited to a "BBQ Chillout" with DJ, sports, and a testimony of one of the participants faith in God. During one of the trips the event "The God Story" is performed on the main squares of Lloret de Mar with free runners, street dancers, DJ's and other artists. Beach Mission are in need for 20 volunteers each trip. Participants pay €475 (about £400). More information is available here - for participants with a low budget and for the "The God Story" event we are also in need for sponsors. |
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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 |