Paul Blakey MBE, founder Street Angels - CNI Network - www.cninetwork.org.uk - "The Living Room is an excellent example of the church taking the lead in offering a safe place to young people in the popular resort of Las Americas, Tenerife. The team are passionate for Jesus, spirit-filled and committed to reaching the lost and have seen lives changed and the Kingdom of God become more of a reality in amongst the night-time scene. I encourage you to invite Rachel to speak to your church or group - firstly to hear the exciting things happening in Tenerife, as well as other European clubbing resorts, and secondly to encourage your young people to go and serve with The Living Room - if they do it will change their life!" Hi My name is Rachel and I work for a ministry based in Tenerife called The Living Room (a project of Grassroots Trust Registered charity no.1060034). We are a missional community that seeks to reach the popular nightlife scene of Las Americas and the hundreds of British young adults who move here each year seeking adventure and a party lifestyle. I am contacting you as I have been asked to come and speak about the exciting work God is doing here amongst the nightlife scene at Youth for Christ Commissioning Service and various other churches in October - March to encourage and excite young adults that God is at work in their generation and that they can be a part of it.. As I am in the UK I would also love to visit your church, cell group or gathering to encourage you and your young adults by sharing about the work of The Living Room, the young people who have given their lives to Jesus, the drug dealers who have been reduced to tears by the powerful words of Christ, the girls who have decided not to sell their bodies anymore, the heroin addicts who have come to us to enquire whether we think they still have a soul, the times when we have prayed with people in the middle of the madness of the clubbing strip, the people who have been convinced there is no God slowly starting to wonder what a living relationship with God would be like and how working here is just an incredible adventure with Jesus, one in which we never know where he is going to take us or what he is going to do through us. I understand it is difficult when you don't know me personally and so have attached more information on the work of The Living Room, a reference letter and some quotes from young people who have worked here. You can also visit our website – www.thelivingroom.es or watch a video about the work of The Living Room here. Hopefully that helps you get more of an idea of who we are and what we do! I am available from October 12th to late March and can share with you from any amount of time between ten and thirty minutes, at any type of meeting either at the weekend or mid-week. I will contact you over the next few days to follow this up with you and answer any questions you may have. Rachel Scott Co-ordinator - The Living Room www.thelivingroom.es / www.grassroots.org.uk General Information about The Living Room Quotes from Young People www.thelivingroom.es / www.grassroots.org.uk The Living Room is a project of Grassroots Trust (Registered Charity No. 1060034) 8 Meadow Way, Rowledge, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4DY Source
Drinkaware is launching a review in support of the Government’s Alcohol Strategy to develop a coherent, well evidenced strategy with regards to the role Drinkaware could play in reducing the harm from public drunkenness and its negative consequences. The initiative is in support of the Government’s alcohol strategy to develop new approaches to reduce binge drinking and the damage it inflicts on surrounding communities. As part of this activity, the charity has commissioned an independent researcher** to review the existing evidence and undertake fresh research. The alcohol education charity is therefore calling for evidence from all interested parties to inform Drinkaware’s approach. This research will form the core of a report to be published in February 2014 Particular areas of interest relate to factors which drive ‘binge’ drinking, with an emphasis on evidence of relevance to Drinkaware’s remit of influencing through education, campaigns and local partnerships. Specific areas of interest for submissions to the strategic review include:
Submissions should be received by Friday 11th October. They can be made either by e-mail to researcher Simon Christmas at [email protected] or by post to the research company at Simon Christmas Ltd, 31-35 Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3HZ. For further information, please contact Sarah Salisbury at Drinkaware at [email protected] * Home Office (2012) The Government’s Alcohol Strategy * *The review will be led by Simon Christmas, PhD, MPhil, MSc, MA, BA, MMRS, MBPsS, Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Public Policy Research, King's College London, www.simonchristmas.net Over the weekend (14/15 September) Paul and Jean visited Bridlington Street Angels. They met the amazing volunteer team and Peter and Maddy Wilson who started the initiative in Bridlington. Paul shared some of the ways CNI Network is making impact in communities including Club Angels, the Alcohol and Safety Education resource, the expansion across Europe and links to initiatives such as Wash My Pink Jumper and POP Campaign. Paul and Jean then joined the team on patrol in Bridlington centre, the sea-front and Harbour. The team shared some of the stories from people they have helped over the summer season. On Sunday Paul spoke about the work of CNI Network at Christ Church Bridlington's Spa congregation.
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The angels that descended upon the town centre of Halifax and who have gone on to spread their serenity and sincerity across the UK and Europe will now go down in digital history. ‘Street Angels - the amazing story from binge to better’ written by Halifax Street Angels founder Paul Blakely MBE tells the national story and history of the team’s social crusade. Since 2005, dedicated angels have patrolled Halifax town centre - giving a guiding hand to vulnerable people on a Friday and Saturday night. Statistically, the 50plus Halifax team are phenomenal - in their first year, crime in Halifax was reduced by 42 per cent. As hundreds of angels have spread their wings across the country and seas, towns and cities have seen a reduction in crime. At the request of one of Majorca’s chief of police the Angels, under the ‘Christian Nightlife Initiatives Network’ travelled to the party resort of Magaluf. Author of the ebook and founder of Street Angels Paul Blakely said: “The book has taken about 12 months to write. It’s been an absolute pleasure. It was moving to go back right to the beginning - sifting through old blogs and Courier articles. It was lovely to re-read the difference volunteers are making in the stories of people we have helped and projects we’ve achieved. “Hopefully the stories will inspire other people to get out there and make a difference in their towns and cities.” The ebook costs £5 and can be downloaded from www.sa-cni.org.uk/ebook - all proceeds will go to the work of CNI Network. Source
The Oldham Street Angels welcomed a new recruit on Saturday night, as Greater Manchester’s Police and Crime Commissioner got an insight into a night on Yorkshire Street and the work of the volunteers. Tony Lloyd joined the Angels on a walkabout in the town centre until the early hours to learn more about the group’s work. The scheme is run by Oldham Town Centre Chaplaincy, and operates from a base on Yorkshire Street every Saturday night, working alongside the police to keep visitors to the clubs and bars safe. Tony shadowed the Angels as they patrolled the town centre, cleaning up broken glass, speaking to doormen and helping vulnerable revellers. “This is a really worthwhile service, that provides a helping hand to the police and, importantly, makes visitors to the town centre feel safer,” said Tony. The Commissioner also praised the close working relationship between the Angels, the police and the local Pub and Club Watch. “They are not substitute police, but they can help to diffuse many situations,” adds Tony. “They help vulnerable people get home, and where people have got into difficulty they can help minimise harm and provide a safe place to go.” An example shared with Tony was when police asked one of the volunteers to help with a young man who was worse for wear and had become irate. The lady was able to calm him down and accompanied him to the bus station – where the man said she was like ‘the granny he never had’. Reverend Jean Hurlston, Street Angels Co-ordinator, said: “We were delighted that the Commissioner was able to join us and see for himself how the police, council and community are working together, supporting one another to benefit local people.” Find out more about the Oldham Street Angels by following them on Twitter or Facebook. -- PRE CONFERENCE --
Bags r packed, comics have arrived, hotel is prepared, delegates r excited, ebook is ready to launch - must be #CNIConf this weekend! @OldhamAngels - Getting excited about attending the National Street Angel Conference this weekend!! #CNIConf @LnStreetPastors - En route to #CNIConf looking forward to meeting #streetangels #streetpastors #townpastors sharing what we do to help all #bitearly #CNIConf - today people travelling from all over UK 2 @StavertonPark for the Street Angels - CNI Network conference - a great weekend ahead! -- FRIDAY -- @LnStreetPastors Already great to learn about Club Angels & Lap Dancing Club Chaplains. #CNIConf It's the church meeting pple where they are #streetpastors @KymMarie0 I have just arrived @ #CNIConf - am I ready to talk to hundreds of people about Wash My Pink Jumper? No, but God is thankfully! @LnStreetPastors @TorbayStreetPas Hi we're @ #CNIConf discussing http://yournight.mobi looking to increase the # of locations using the app #streetpastors Lots of networking going on between local projects #CNIConf” And making new friends :o) @sanktuary This is definitely going to be a good conference - the chocolate cake is heavenly!! @cninet #CNIconf @OldhamAngels Angels Hannah & Lisa are at the #CNIConf in Daventry this weekend looking forward to lots of networking and sharing of ideas! @sanktuary Lovely dinner and conversations at the @cninet Street Angels Conference #CNIconf & now time for music! pic.twitter.com/NC7L7k7OCZ @thelawr At the #cniconf just been told to leave my phone on and tweet. Suits me. @BrianWard1211 Just finished evening meal and starting first session at #CNIConf some networking with #stocktontownpastors and now a bit of a sing song. @NathanDFerreira Great to be at the #CNIConf being updated with what's happening around the country with Street Angels and other Night Life projects. @LnStreetPastors The #CNIConf starts! pic.twitter.com/g9Ogevh4D0 God loves people more than anything #cniconf @sanktuary Absolutely love this umbrella from Bedford Street Angels! Wonder if @Pier32UK can make some for Sanktuary! #CNIconf @bethtash So many projects across the UK showing Gods love in the nightlife #CNIConf #humbling #exciting be joyful in life's challenges. You will live longer. #cniconf Blackpool light switch on.....look out for the Angels. Simply a wonderful watchful patrol. #cniconf If you are in Cleethorpes and need flip flops look out for the Street Angels. #cniconf Oldham Street Angels are working hard and helping to change their streets for the better. Look out for this plucky group. #cniconf Stockton Town Pastors continuing to protect people in the night time economy. Go guys. #cniconf @sanktuary Hearing wonderful stories from around the UK at the @cninet Street Angels conference, especially @FestivalAngels #CNIconf @NathanDFerreira Inspired by the stories of street angels from Leeds Fest to London and the places in-between. #CNIConf Hartlepool Street Angels ...more to them than lollipops. Talk to them and you will find encouragement, wisdom and good fun. #cniconf Leeds Club Angels...wonderfully wise and spirit led..talk to them about your problems and ask for prayer....it works. #cniconf #CNIConf hearing about #streetangels going out to Ibiza. When pple go out for drugs alcohol sex why not prayer?? Very successful @cninet 24/7 Ibiza if you go their then seek out the volunteers and experience prayer and God working in your life. #cniconf Stockton Town Pastors praying for you with gusto. #cniconf @bethtash There are so many people who give their free time to helping see our towns & cities transformed - volunteers are incredible people #CNIConf @KymMarie0 #cniconf hearing these stories... Can we have a prayer wall/poster during the conf to put people's names to pray for them all? James 1st? Street Pastors also joining us at the CNI conference. Working with the community sharing the love of God with prisoners. #cniconf @MartinARowley At the CNI Street Angels conference, great testimonies from all over the UK. #CNIConf POP CAMPAIGN have a look at the website and like on facebook. Can you help eliminate glass in clubs and pubs in your area? #cniconf @LnStreetPastors #CNIConf Stockton Town Pastors win a free http://yournight.mobi subscription at the @cninet annual conference.! Gerald Coates - our work is bringing encouragement to so many - #CNIConf @OldhamAngels Lots of inspirational stories being shared this evening, many of us having the same experiences right across the UK #CNIConf Power of encouragement - u remember it 4 years to come - who can u bless & encourage & #Do1NiceThing for this week? #CNIConf @BrianWard1211Gerald Coates speaking at #CNIConf on Encouragement, great message. How do we encourage those around us, Acts c4, son of encouragement Absolutely amazing campaign - I'll be taking this back to Telford to make a change in our clubs! “@cninet: http://www.pop-campaign.co.uk #cniconf @LnStreetPastors Barnabus, the son of encouragement, the key to the first century church. #GeraldCoates #CNIConf @cninet @sanktuary Love Never Gives Up! This should never be forgotten!! #CNIconf @BrianWard1211 #CNIConf Gerald Coates, Paul & Barnabas argue about JohnMark, Paul said I give up on him, then later Paul says in 1Cor13 Love never gives up Changed lives change families change streets change towns.... #CNIConf - great to remember as we interact with individuals... Speak words of encouragement to those you help in the weeks ahead.... see more lives changed! #CNIConf @sanktuary "Don't forget, God might be doing more behind our backs than in front of our faces" Gerald Coates #CNIconf @BF_StreetAngels Great night with fellow CNI peeps. Check out http://POP-CAMPAIGN.CO.UK and great words of encouragement from Gerald Coates. #CNIConf -- SATURDAY -- #CNIConf eBook launch and the email with the book has gone out to delegates.... Kindle version sent for upload - public on Monday! @EllisKing_ Up and ready for talks (TED Style I'm informed) and seminars. C'mon #CNIConf keep the inspiration and the encouragement coming. @jemsheen Hanging out with Street Angels this weekend #CNIConf Gerald Coates and Nathan Ferriera - sexual healing book for men- buy it. #cniconf washmypinkjumper.com have a look at this website. #cniconf @_lucyx Day2 of #CNIConf excited for what today is going to hold !! pic.twitter.com/n4XtZADexO @OldhamAngels Street Angel song!! #CNIconf http://fb.me/VgjRIOF6 Can you run a wash my pink jumper group in your area? Helping young women with alcohol addiction. #cniconf @BrianWard1211 Good start to #CNIConf tad talks 10 minute sessions on some of the seminars that are happening today. Coact - christian police association - check it out. #cniconf @OldhamAngels Hannah is attending 'Alcohol & Safety Education' and 'Churches working together workshops #CNIconf @OldhamAngels Lisa is attending 'Street Trafficking & Grooming' and 'Counter Terrorism' workshops #CNIconf @robb_hannah New career: modelling at #cniconf pic.twitter.com/OtL1sQRdMk Dudes with wings from Charisma art. Brilliant designs of cards, posters and a wonderful fund raising idea. #cniconf @_lucyx Space suit!!! #CNIConf pic.twitter.com/CxXUqVrgWY @MartinARowley Some amazing talks and great ideas this morning at #CNIConf @OldhamAngels Each 999 call resulting in A&E costs £475 #CNIconf Club angels in Leeds there to chat help listen and care. #cniconf @hxstreetangels Street Angels Song - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_0kKBdEJbE&feature=youtu.be … @cninet #cniconf @clubangelsleeds Some of our lovely angels speaking at #cniconf learning how to #chathelplistencare even better! pic.twitter.com/GiLqVnDuON @NathanDFerreira Great to hear about club angels doing awesome work in my home region. #CNIConf Can you set up a club angel project in your area? Look at the CNI website and pray about your role in the night time economy. #cniconf @clubangelsleeds We love you! This is the message for the clubbers of our generation #jesus #chathelplistencare #CNIConf #gospel @debrajgreen Arrived in Northants #cniconf @cninet @Redeeming_OC great networking Alcohol awareness in schools developed by Tony Buck and Paul Blakey MBE. Can this help your school? Look at CNI website. #cniconf @sanktuary Absolutely amazing talk by Tam @followcalla about the unspoken issues facing young people today. We need to break the taboo of sex #CNIconf @sanktuary Great stories being shared at the #CNIconf this morning from @WMPJumper #clubangels Gerald Coates and @NathanDFerreira @followcalla @cninet @NathanDFerreira Great to hear such a passionate rally to be aware of trafficking and street grooming in our local area. #CNIConf @sanktuary Inspiring talk from @clubangelsleeds at #CNIconf this morning. Can we work in Telford's nightclubs as well as outside? *thinking&praying* @ljl144 “@OldhamAngels: http://youtu.be/Gjgk8mM1kHw ” #CNIconf @jemsheen http://ow.ly/i/31BzM @followcalla inspiring talk at #CNIConf @sanktuary Today @telfordlive became a published writer!! Street Angels @cninet have launched a new book and TL's blog about us is in it! #CNIconf @BrianWard1211 @roycrowne of #HOPE at #CNIConf quoted I am excited for such a Time as This, excited for HOPE14 how can the Church get involved in this @sanktuary Here's the beautiful Tam from @followcalla sharing her passion for helping people in Telford at #CNIconf pic.twitter.com/oCxFGMrHB8 @sanktuary Great to hear from the wonderful people at @HOPEtogether and @Redeeming_OC about bringing communities together for better at #CNIconf @sanktuary Inspirational story from @Redeeming_OC about a church bringing about a 75% reduction in anti social behaviour in their community #CNIconf @OldhamAngels Some fantastic inspirational speakers this morning! #CNIconf @followcalla Amazing people and projects at the street angels conference #CNIconf @clubangelsleeds Learning about how Churches can work together to serve you guys better! #chathelplistencare #cniconf @thelawr Interesting chats with a fellow Tamworthian about @ldsstreetangels at the #cniconf @sanktuary Tam @followcalla has started this talk by saying we may find this distressing // BUT THIS IS REAL AND IT IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW #CNIconf @sanktuary This country has a massively high demand for sex workers -- WHY?? Why does our culture demand this? #CNIconf @followcalla @sanktuary Break our hearts Lord for what breaks yours. May our eyes be opened to the street grooming and trafficking hidden in our towns #CNIconf @sanktuary Sex workers are a cheap commodity, traffickers don't pay them, feed them very little and make them run drugs for them @followcalla #CNIconf @clubangelsleeds Why do churches feel the need to choose mission or social action? And what can we do about it? #CNIconf #workingtogether #churchunity @sanktuary There is no such thing as a child prostitute, a child having sex is being abused. #CNIconf @followcalla #CNIConf 5 workshops taking place - sexual grooming, alcohol & safety edu, working with police, church working together, dealing with porn @sanktuary We need to break the silence, children are being abused here in the UK right now in our streets and communities #CNIconf @followcalla @clubangelsleeds Sometimes it's our language not the gospel which alienates people - Roy Crowne of @HOPEtogether speaking on church unity #CNIconf #HOPE14 @clubangelsleeds We want to work together as Churches to serve and bless the people of Leeds! #CNIconf #HOPE14 #chathelplistencare @LnStreetPastors Would your area benefit from the http://yournight.mobi app? Free to download. #streetpastors #CNIConf #streetangels @cninet @sanktuary Watching the @mydangerouslove film at #CNIconf after a terrifying presentation from @followcalla about the reality of trafficking in the UK Some hard hitting topics discussed today but reality of some ppl in our communities - CNI projects mobilised to give things a go! #CNIConf @OldhamAngels Some very powerful sessions this afternoon that I can totally relate to the streets of Oldham #CNIconf @KymMarie0 An illustration for the reason for our being... http://ow.ly/orzrT #CNIConf @debrajgreen Really enjoyed our time with the Street Angels #cniconf @Redeeming_OC @cninet @BrianWard1211 Just finished our gala dinner at #CNIConf followed by more testimonies from around the country of Christian Night Life initiatives @clubangelsleeds Let's be expectant and excited, we serve a great God. Hearing encouraging stories at #CNIConf #DudesWithWings #soexcited #stories #sharing @MartinARowley A great night at the #CNIConf gala dinner @BrianWard1211 Live entertainment at #CNIConf @davemorgan from ELO plus two others. @KymMarie0 @debrajgreen @Redeeming_OC @cninet & we enjoyed our time with you, thanks 4 advice & prayers for @WMPJumper & Club Angels! x #CNIConf @BF_StreetAngels What a great day and end it by singing along to Mr Blue Sky#CNIConf @BrianWard1211 A big Thankyou to @paulblakey @JeanBlakey and all the team @cninet #CNIConf for a great weekend. -- SUNDAY -- Sat teaching a few people the wonders of Twitter & Faceebook - #CNIConf @KymMarie0 Such fun! #cniconf @sanktuary The Street Angels @cninet National Conference this weekend has been awesome! Thank you to all of you here #CNIconf especially @paulblakey @KymMarie0 #StreetAngels / #StreetPastors song - not to be missed... #cniconf Flipflops and Lollipops @_lucyx Hearing about amazing @Street_Angels York from @MartinARowley at @cninet #CNIConf #streetangels pic.twitter.com/ttQXMCSZlP @Street_Angels Great weekend at the #CNIConf Street Angels conference, fantastic people, with over 20 new Street Angels projects in the last 12 months. We need each other! Strength of CNI Network is working together with national voice #CNIConf CNI Network is a team wanting best for all - succesful projects helping those struggling, encouraging one another, just do it! #CNIConf So much expertise within our network & we are all here for each other #CNIConf - meet up with 1 another, visit each other, bless each other @clubangelsleeds Treating ourselves on the way back from the #CNIConf after a weekend of hard work and prayer! #keepencouraging pic.twitter.com/oQ2r1GPWYj @TheLivingRoom8 great weekend - promoted that Tenerife is a possibility for our volunteers to visit to Angel! #CNIConf @ThirdSpaceMin V. inspiring w/e @ the national Christian Nightlife Conference hearing from & meeting lots of nightlife projects from around the UK #CNIConf @ROCKdundee Had a great weekend @cninet conference #cniconf food, fellowship and fun. @sanktuary This fab song was written about Street Angels & premiered at #CNIconf... we think it deserves to trend!!!! @cninet http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_0kKBdEJbE … @FBianyoung Inspirational, fantastic people @#CNIconf thanks for fab weekend @sanktuary I have had an amazing weekend at the first Street Angels national conference #CNIconf I have learnt lots & shared ideas for the future :o) @BrianWard1211 @sanktuary great to see you at the #CNIConf look fwd to hearing things go in #Telford @SStreetSource We have uniforms, caps, water, enthusiasm, a desire to help and His blessing. 21st September our launch date. Have you heard? #CNIConf Great to run a social media help clinic at #CNIConf this am - several new projects on Twitter & reviewing soc media use! Some really deep stuff covered this weekend with potential to save lives & change communities - will blog some if it tomorrow #CNIConf @KymMarie0 @debrajgreen, it was great to see you at CNI #CNIConf great to hear about ROC and thanks for the advice may God smile on all it's work @ststreetangels welcome to Twitter! Great to meet u at #CNIConf this weekend... :-) @sanktuary At #CNIconf we met the inspirational family behind @pop_campaign &we will be doing all we can to support from Telford http://bit.ly/UW197H -- FACEBOOK -- #CNIConf thank you paul blakey and all who set up the cni weekend, good food, good accomadation,good company, and a good message of encouragment for us to take home, bless you all The ordinary people that we are to serve the ordinary people on the streets..... Wise words from #NorfolkStreetPastors #cniconf Last day of #cniconf for Christian Nighttime Initiatives an amazing time with amazing people - Thank you! From Ibiza 24/7 - source
It rained this week. As myself and a colleague walked a slightly disorientated Australian lady back to her hotel the storm swept in and turned the streets around us into rivers. We ran, gasping with laughter through the downpour, cheered on by the revellers taking shelter in the bars. We’ll get a wheelchair ready, yells one of our PR friends taking cover under an awning. Cheers mate. For us, life in Ibiza is always full of surprises, full of contradictions, full of paradox. We’re never allowed to stand still, never encouraged to stagnate. Complacency is dangerous out here; there is no formula, no rule book, no troubleshoot. No one expects it to rain on the Sunshine Isle and yet as the windows of the prayer room steam up and various bedraggled team members drag themselves back through the centre doors, I’m reminded about how unpredictable things can be in this mission and how often God’s way are so divorced from our tiny mind sets and limited ideologies. Where you expect darkness there’s light, when you anticipate closed doors there’s open windows. Maybe it’s just the strangers stopping to offer genuine concern and help to people we’re assisting, donating their time and muscles into putting broken individuals into wheelchairs or more dignified positions. Perhaps it’s the gospel enthused house music that I hear leaking out of the doors of the strip clubs as we walk past, lyrically more powerful than some of the contemporary worship songs I’ll choose for a Sunday morning. Elsewhere it’s the guy who’s quite happy to admit he’s rushing on ecstasy and yet is utterly committed in singlehandedly carrying his friend to the ambulance in a superhuman display of strength and compassion. A knock on the door of the apartment at 4am reveals a girl we’ve never met before. I’m a sinner, she says, no waver in her voice. Can I please have a bible? One minute the team are praying for a couple of guys and one of the recipients feels the weight of the Holy Spirit on his shoulder, a sudden tangible experience of love that he can’t put into words. Dazed and thoughtful, he sits on the step and watches as the team, in the next instance, deal with a lost guy who vomits with glorious ferocity and appears to have picked up a cockroach or two on his travels. Again and again I’m reminded that we live in a place where there is no norm, no protocol and where 180degree swings of purpose and agenda are commonplace. Another pair find themselves in the middle of the West End, holding hands with two girls, one of whom is a cheerful atheist but nevertheless knows the Lord’s Prayer and, as the madness crashes around them, has herself suggested the four of them declare it together. In a circle and with absolute sincerity, this spontaneous and distinctly unorthodox prayer team intercede for the streets beneath their feet. Time after time, this work has demonstrated to me that the Kingdom of God is an inverted, unrecognisable parallel universe when juxtaposed against my own experiences, my own rationale, my unconscious lines in the sand. It pays no heed to how things should be done according to worldly principles and instead ploughs it’s own furrow across the field of my expectations and opinions. And yet, somehow, it remains uniquely personal, rooted in intimacy and perfect in it’s connection with humanity. Stereotypes and judgement are dismissed without a backward glance yet never at the expense of our human reality. A holidaymaker asks one of the team for Rizla and instead is offered a bible. Which he immediately takes. And possibly smokes. But who cares? Regardless of the motives, the fact that the word of God now sits in the hand of a man in place of a rollup is, in itself, an act of God that is possibly more significant than we’ll ever realise. Even if he does choose to inhale a few chapters of Mark’s gospel over his next pint. God’s ways are just not our ways. As the storms pass and the skies brighten there’s time to muse and ponder amongst the pine coated hills of Ibiza. Sa Talaia is the highest place on the island and is, in itself, a beautiful example of the contrast we experience here. From this vantage point, the land extends below, carpeted green, sparsely populated, embraced by the seas. The peace is audible up here, decibels of emptiness interrupted only by the rattle of a cicada and sleepy birdsong. It’s a rare, unfamiliar moment of tranquility; precious and captivating, a watchtower of serenity that allows us to gaze down upon the charcoal white patches of civilisation, the throb of San Antonio’s pulse lost in the breeze. This transient moment of stillness, as elusive as it is, is not confined to the hills. I’m reminded of how Jesus, the Prince of Peace, manages to deliver the individual to such a place in the midst of the melee. John* is asleep in the hotel lobby. He wears one shoe, a pair of shorts and appears to have nothing else. His tattooed body rises and falls with every deep breath, black lines and obscure symbols stretching rhythmically under the weight of heavy sleep. The details are unclear but it would seem he has no passport, no hotel, no money and no friends. He may not have slept for days, an hour or two on the beach perhaps before the heat or the authorities force him on. At some point, probably during these snatches of sleep, someone has taken a can of graffiti spray paint and cruelly daubed the entirety of his back in black, permanent swirls. The police aren’t interested in helping, his only tenuous contact who is staying in this hotel, wants nothing to do with him, firmly shutting the door in our faces. There is nothing we, or he, can do. So he sleeps in the chair and we wait. As long as we’re with him, the hotel will tolerate his presence and rest seems to be the best idea right now. There is no happy end to this story. We know it within an hour of meeting him. But as I watch him sleep in the chair, listening to God tell me about this son of His, how much He loves him, how He wishes he’d come home, I’m struck again by the paradox of peace in the midst of chaos. Where there should be anxiety and confusion, God has found a moment of refuge for this man. Where the storms that no one expects have sought to isolate and destroy, God has reached out and rebuked the winds. It gives me hope as the hotel receptionist, who has done everything he can to help, reluctantly wakes John up. We drape him in a kindly donated blanket, find an odd shoe and give him some water. And that’s when I notice the bible in his hand, left for him by the previous team that night. It’s pretty much all he has. We leave him on the steps as dawn begins to break, a lonely figure, full of questions and yet holding all the answers in his hand, adrift yet grasping the anchor, in chains but brandishing the keys, in the dust but only steps away from the summit. I thank God for paradox as we walk through the mud left by the rains. Instead of despair, I can see hope. *name changed Source
COFFEE mornings run by Bolton’s Soroptimists are helping local revellers who may have enjoyed a rather stronger drink on their nights out. The local branch of the famous service organisation is currently raising money for Street Angels — the voluntary organisation that operates in the town centre between 10pm and 3am every Saturday night and the last Friday of the month. As well as going out on patrol to help clubbers who have made themselves vulnerable through too much alcohol, or anyone who needs their help, they run the SafeSpace Cafe at 91 Bradshawgate opposite the Balmoral public house. They help victims of assault and anyone needing a safe place to wait until their friends are found. They also provide first-aid, help people to sober up and offer a warming cuppa and someone to talk to. Last year, they helped in 232 town centre incidents of all kinds. It costs £50 a night to keep the cafe open and this year’s Soroptimist president Mrs Cynthia Schofield, chose Street Angels as a charity to support after a representative visited the group to give a talk. “Street Angels do an amazing job and we’re happy to help them,” said Mrs Schofield. The coffee mornings are held regularly at members’ homes and so far have raised £350 for the local organisation. Soroptimists, who are pledged to make a difference to the lives of women and girls locally and inter-nationally, are also helping towards the education of five children in Kathmandu. Bolton Soroptimists, who are celebrating their 75th anniversary this year, have supported many charities over the years including Barnardos,Bolton Mountain Rescue Team and the Fortalice refuge, and work hard in the community on everything from tree-planting to litter-picking. ![]() Street Angels - the eBook! The amazing story of Street Angels and similar projects - this eBook will inspire, challenge and equip you. Amazing stories from binge to better of changed people and communities. Available via: Kindle - link to the book on Kindle Store PDF - via our web site More platforms coming soon... Download a leaflet to promote the book in your area Press Release "I have always been impressed with the work of Street Angels... I wasn't prepared in reading this latest book for the impact it has had on me..." Rebekah Brettle, Founder and CEO of Neighbourhood Prayer Network "Much of the news we hear about night life in our towns and cities is about unsocial behaviour and violence. So it is heartening to be able to read this story which, though not in any way diminishing the impact of harsh realities, tells of faith, hope and love." quote from the Foreword by Bishop of Pontefract, Right Rev. Tony Robinson "... For me this is one of the most powerful encounters in my eight years of Street Angels! Four and half years later the young lady we took back to the cafe came up to me in the town centre. She thanked us for helping her that night (she was fourteen when we helped her) and then said that her life had changed because of the help we had given. She realised that her life was worth more than the life she was living – she had stopped going out drinking and had settled down to school work and her family life. From not doing very well at school she went on to do well in her GCSE‟s, stayed at school for A Levels and was at home for the Easter Holidays from her first year at University. The change had happened because a few people in yellow jackets cared enough to make sure she was cleaned up and given assistance to get to a friend‟s house. This, for me, shows the worth of what Street Angels do and I know that now it is a story repeated in community after community week after week." excerpt from the Halifax Street Angels story "... A stripper hears the Bible explained in a way that she understands and then wants one; whilst a heroin addict who is unsure if he still has a soul, comes to ask us what we think. A man diagnosed with Hepatitis C and sentenced to a slow and painful death, is miraculously healed one week and the next a young guy is moved to admit that he wants 'what you all have'...” excerpt from The Living Room story Over ninety people representing forty local projects and partner organisations gathered at Staverton Park Hotel in Daventry for our third National Conference and first weekend conference. With great facilities and food those who attended had a weekend of inspiration, learning, networking and gathering resources to help impact communities and people across the country. On Friday we heard from several projects across the country who shared ideas and ways they are working and impacting communities. Marjorie Golding from the POP Campaign then shared the story of her son Blake who was glassed as he worked in a nightclub. The injuries he endured caused Marjorie and husband Robert to start a campaign to replace glass with polycarbonate in pubs and clubs. Towns that have trialled this have seen a significant reduction in facial injuries. We were encouraged to take polycarbonate glasses to PubWatch meetings and encourage this at a grassroots level. Bob Stoner from Lincoln Street Pastors and the newest CNI Network project Sleaford Street Source introduced the Your Night mobile app and how this can ensure those we help have a safe and fun night out. Priced at £30 the app is available for use by CNI Network projects. Our keynote speaker Gerald Coates shared about the need to be and the impact of people of encouragement. When we encourage and bless others this can and does impact people's lives and can lead to changed lives, families, streets and communities. We were encouraged to encourage others in our teams, other projects and those we help. Saturday saw the eBook "Street Angels - the amazing story from binge to better" launched followed by why there is a need for CNI Network as an umbrella organisation that promotes, celebrates and is a one-stop place for others to find out what is happening. Fast paced TED style talks saw a wide range of topics covered over Saturday morning, many of which were covered in more detail in Saturday afternoon workshops: Gerald Coates shared about Sexual Healing and the grip that pornography has over people and how this is destroying lives with Nathan Ferreria rapping about his experiences and the freedom he has found. Kym-Marie Cleasby spoke about Wash My Pink Jumper - an organisation set up to help young ladies who are wanting to stop binge drinking and shared the story of how binge drinking has effected her family. Several people volunteered to be Big Sisters and to look at starting a Wash My Pink Jumper group. Steve Brock spoke about the Accredited Training Package available to local projects which offers volunteers a qualification in "Supporting Users of the Night-Time Economy". Steve also spoke about the work of the Christian Police Association and how this can help us link closer with local Police. Beth Tash and Lucy Hardy launched Club Angels - our newest initiative - and told how this had made a massive difference in clubs in Leeds and Croydon where the scheme already runs. The Club Angels video was premièred and ideas given for how how to run a Club Angels. The Alcohol and Safety Education Resource was then launched by Tony Buck - this resource will help local projects connect with schools and young people's groups with a lesson plan that covers alcohol facts and allows time to discuss the role of Street Angels with stories of incidents within the local town. Tam Sheen spoke about street grooming and human trafficking and the reality of this happening within the night-time of our communities. Tam started CALLA as a response to things she witnessed whilst a volunteer with Telford Sanktuary and gave us tools and insight to spot the signs and help prevent this within our work on the streets. DC Thomas Spencer from the North East Counter Terrorism Team thanked those who volunteer and shared how we are and can increasingly be key to preventing terrorism within our communities. Finally Roy Crown from HOPE Together spoke about ways churches can work together better and shared some of the resources from HOPE available to help facilitate this. Our keynote speaker Debra Green OBE from Redeeming Our Communities concluded the morning with some stories of community transformation as churches, community groups, police, fire, NHS and local authority work in partnership to offer projects such as ROC Cafe, ROC Justice, etc. Saturday also launched the "dudes with wings" product range and two new Street Angels songs - flip flops and lollipops - see the YouTube at the bottom of the newsletter - and a song we will make available as a MP3 shortly by Dave and Mandy Scott-Morgan who provided an evening of rock 'n' roll on Saturday. Sunday was a time for feedback and moving forward along with more stories from local projects. There were many ideas and resources shared including potential funding pots, first aid course from Ellis at Halifax Street Angels, ideas for recruiting more volunteers, social media workshop and looking at ways of networking together better regionally. Trevor Bendrien shared some thoughts in a humorous way around team work from the story of the crippled man who was lowered through the roof to Jesus when he was in a packed house. Team work was needed to make the hole, work out where the hole should be cut, gathering tools to get the hole cut, getting the man on a stretcher onto the roof, etc - this is how local projects and CNI Network works - teamwork, helping each other, carrying the weak and all mucking in to et the job done! Andy Burns finished the conference with a commissioning anew of our local projects and those who volunteer. A fitting end to an excellent weekend! See tweets - #CNIConf / below a few photos from the Conference - more will be added shortly to our Facebook page / thanks again to Diageo who sponsored the weekend and enabled us to provide the conference bags and to UCB for donating the comics / thanks to all who came and those contributed in any way to make it an amazing weekend! Welcome to Sleaford Street Source the latest night-time project to become part of CNI Network. They launch on 21st September so please pray for them... Unfortunately our application for Big Lottery Funding was unsuccessful. We had applied so that we would be able to extend our staff team and pay a realistic salary as we develop and strengthen the support we offer new and existing projects through areas such as accredited training, alcohol and safety education resource, regional networks, celebrating local stories at national level, developing new ideas, etc. Please pray for Paul, Jean and the Trustees as they pray about and decide the way forward long term for SA-CNI Network. The President of the Methodist Conference 2013 - 2014, Revd. Ruth Gee, has offered her endorsement: "Street Angels - CNI network is making a big difference in our communities. The volunteers, many of them from local churches and Christian groups, offer support to those who are most vulnerable in city and town centres. This is a visible expression of the love of Jesus offered by volunteers who are transforming the night-time economy in partnership with others. The vision that was born in Halifax has inspired many and I pray that it will continue to do so." 'What is a Street Angel?' the comic book is now available free for local projects thanks to the amazing generosity of UCB - United Christian Broadcasters. Please contact Paul if you would like a bundle of 50 posting to you (we ask for a donation of £4.00 per 50 comic books to cover postage and packing). The CNI Network projects in Cleveland have worked on a working protocol with the Police that will be made available for use as a template to help local projects develop for use with local police forces. Read more here - the document will be posted on our Blog later this month. James Glancey from Stockton Town Pastors is walking the Camino de Santiago (Way of St James) - a 120km walk from Ferrol to Galicia in Spain in October. He is raising money for Stockton Town Pastors and you can sponsor him here. Leeds Festival - Revd. Andy Nicholson writes: Over the bank holiday nearly 100 Christian volunteers from across the North of England congregated at Leeds Festival to help with Festival Angels, a local project initiated 3 years ago to be a Christian presence at Leeds Festival. This year, as well as selling teas and coffees in a prayer tent (which also offers an opportunity for people to write prayers and be prayed with) Festival Angels also ran the Festival’s Lost Property Tent and engaged in detached work around the site. I’ve been involved in the Prayer tent since its inception and this year the festival had a very different feel from previous years for one very simple reason – mud. The storm on Thursday evening and then the persistent rain throughout Saturday meant that many people’s tents became flooded (including the Prayer Tent). In previous years the majority of the ministry has been in listening and discussion. This year was much more practical with over a dozen sleeping bags and blankets given out, tents given and shelter offered. On the Sunday night Festival Angels were the only ones who the Festival organisers could contact to man a drop-in shelter for the many who had lost their tents and needed somewhere dry to sleep. In very real ways we were offering an incarnational ministry that showed the love of God through acts of kindness and humility or, as Mark Tiddy in his blog put it, found Jesus at the Festival; Jesus was at the festival He had his shirt stolen so we gave him a shirt He was alone in an unfamiliar setting so we helped him set his tent up He was cold so we gave him a foil blanket, some shelter and warm cup of tea His tent collapsed in the rain so we gave him somewhere to sleep He was thirsty so we gave him a cup of tea, He was worried about something so we listened. You can read some of the Twitter feedback on Festival Angels, the Prayer Tent and Lost Property here. From our Blog: Police Crime Commissioner shows support for Cleveland's Street Angels projects When all you want is your 'Big Sister' Angels make Bedford a safer place Stockton Town Pastors August Newsletter Club Angels - launched at our National Conference, and trialled in Leeds and Croydon, Club Angels sees Christians in club venues with t-shirts saying, ‘chat, help, listen and care, p.s. we’re Christians, ask us more if you want.’ - you can see how to set up a Club Angels here, visit the Club Angels web site here and watch the video below... Diary for September: Wed 4th - Paul speaking at Bradford Connaught Luncheon Club Mon 9th - Paul updating Halifax Street Angels steering group on work of CNI Network Thu 12th - Social Media and Your Organisation - a 2.5 hour masterclass in use of Social Media within your organisation. Presented by Paul Blakey and Beth Ward in Halifax - see here. Sat 14th - Paul and Jean out with Bridlington Street Angels Sat 21st - Launch of Sleaford Street Source - #CNIPrayer as they go on patrol for the first time... #CNIPrayer - Newtownards NightLight / Huddersfield Street Angels / Ripon Town Pastors / Scarborough Youth Angels / Milton Keynes Street Ministers / Newmarket Town Pastors, East Anglia / Aldershot Town Centre Pastoral Team / Exmouth Open Door Night Shift / Marlborough Mop Fair Street Angels / Townsville Street Chaplains, Australia We can also Prayer:Twin local projects together - so far Blackpool Street Angels and Stockton Town Pastors are twinned as are Exmouth Open Door NightShift and Whitby Street Angels. To register interest contact [email protected] Little Bro: "what's an angel?" Big Bro: "it's like a dude with wings" Our exciting new product range is designed to help you with fundraising for your local project. "dude with wings' are six contemporary images which feature on greetings cards, magnets, keyrings, posters and mugs and can be custom designed with your local project logo. More information here. An exciting new eBook was launched at the weekend which tells the story and history of the Street Angels movement.
'Street Angels - the amazing story from binge to better' is available on Kindle and as a PDF download from www.streetangels.org.uk . The book tells the story of Halifax Street Angels, which launched in 2005, and the expansion and joining together of projects across the UK and Europe under the 'Christian Nightlife Initiatives Network' banner. Written and compiled by Paul Blakey MBE, founder of Halifax Street Angels and CNI Network, the eBook includes stories and experiences from over thirty projects and shows how the volunteer led initiative is contributing to reduced crime and changed people and communities. In the foreword, the Bishop of Pontefract, Right Reverend Tony Robinson, says: "Much of the news we hear about night life in our towns and cities is about unsocial behaviour and violence. So it is heartening to be able to read this story which, though not in any way diminishing the impact of harsh realities, tells of faith, hope and love." Author Paul Blakey commented: "This book is a fascinating history of a movement which started seventeen years ago in Belfast, Northern Ireland, twelve years ago in Dundee, Scotland and almost eight years ago in Halifax, England. To read of those who have volunteered to invest in our town and cities at night, and the impact this has had, makes a challenging and inspiring read." The eBook is priced at £5.00 and all profits will benefit the work of CNI Network. Some thoughts on Leeds Festival from Mark Tiddy's blog
Jesus was at the festival He had his shirt stolen so we gave him a shirt He was alone in an unfamiliar setting so we helped him set his tent up He was cold so we gave him a foil blanket, some shelter and warm cup of tea His tent collapsed in the rain so we gave him somewhere to sleep He was thirsty so we gave him a cup of tea, He was worried about something so we listened (A Leeds festival paraphrase of Matthew 25:31-45) Various images from the Leeds Festival Festival Angels initiative...
Some feedback from Festival goers on Twitter: A huge thank you to the fantastic Leeds Festival Angels who supported Yellow car Park marshals through this whole weekend. The festival angels in the prayer tent at Leeds deserve a lot of credit! They were amazing help when I lost my way and needed help #thankyou the festival angels kept me going at Leeds, brew and biscuits for a quid in the prayer tent @FestivalAngels your tent is my new favourite place in the world ! Eminem was class, but was all about prayer tent with soup and roll Last night all I can remember is sitting in a christian prayer tent dressed as a hindu with a guy obsessed with composting leaves... You didnt fully experience leeds fest if you didnt go in the Prayer tent. That's where it's at #angels I slept in my tent 1 night haha #prayertent Prayer tent was the nuts at Leeds Spent a good half an hour singing hyms and reciting prayers with the priest in the prayer tent If I go to Leeds next year not taking a tent sleeping in the prayer tent @FestivalAngels - It's been a busy night, lots of people in the prayer tent plus we helped organisers set up a new sleep tent for campers without a tent 'If you guys weren't here, we wouldn't be either. being able to come and get a dry seat and a warm drink has stopped us from going home' "We serve hot food to anyone in distress." "@SALeedsFest: It's 3am and we still have a crowd #leedsfest pic.twitter.com/a6fn6po3sl" Had half an hours sleep at leeds fest and the festival angels just brought me a brew and a lollipop on my shift ..getting quite emotional.. Amazing stories in the prayer tent today. Lots of prayers shared lots of tea drunk, lots of biscuits eaten! "you @festivalangels are amazing" "thank you for your help" 2 comments in last 2 minutes... why oh why were we singing amazing grace for 20 minutes and then made a priest prayer for us at the prayer tent hahaha Prayer Tent was the place to be at Leeds Depressed I'm not waking up to my mates and going to the prayer tent @officialRandL RT: Great job @FestivalAngels 175 Happy Bunnies re-united with lost stuff at #leedsfestival pic.twitter.com/gTWl7U1Xlu Street Angels projects continue to start almost on a weekly basis across the UK, and in almost every case the town sees a significant reduction in crime and alcohol-related antisocial behaviour within the Night-Time Economy (NTE). The biggest successes are seen in those areas were Street Angels, the Police and Council work in partnership with each other and focus on creating a safer and peaceful environment at a time when town centres attract 'clubbers'.
Of course, Street Angels projects are independent of statutory bodies and it is their ability to help others who become vulnerable in a confidential manner, without judgement and regardless of circumstance, that attracts the support and gratitude of those who work in or use the NTE. In Cleveland, the police have worked hard to develop a working protocol with each of the local projects (Hartlepool, Stockton, Middlesbrough and Guisborough) which recognises the work we do, offers support and creates a model for strategic and operational contact with the police. All of this will ensure the police are aware of and will look out for Street Angels when on patrol, and may also provide information in respect of missing persons etc. The protocol is in its final stages and in Cleveland we are excited that we will soon have this in place to further support the work we do an 'angels', and will add to the already high levels of public confidence. We hope to launch the protocol in September once it has been signed by all parties - including Street Angels - Christian Nightlife Initiatives. It will then be available via SA-CNI as a template for other projects to develop with their own local police service. Steve Brock - Stockton Town Pastors |
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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 |