“Bright Nights” Evaluation Confirms Street Angels Chester Is A Vital Asset To City Safety.

Street Angels Chester recently commissioned a follow-up study from the University of Chester which confirmed that Street Angels Chester has become an ‘integral component’ of the city’s multi-agency approach to public safety. The new report, titled “Bright Nights: One Year of Safer Social Spaces” highlights significant growth in the project’s operational capacity, volunteer base, and impact across Chester’s night-time economy. 

The evaluation, conducted by Dr Simone Benhafsi, assessed the project one year after its initial pilot, concluding that the team consistently provides critical, preventative, and compassionate interventions. 

Street Angels team out with Dr. Simone Benhafsi.

Following on from the initial pilot, Street Angels Chester has grown significantly in both scope and influence, meaning it has become a well-renowned project within the community. Some of the key findings within the report include the increase in demand for the teams, and the increase in volunteers and volunteer hours (2265.5 volunteer hours in an 18 months period). Whilst alongside this, the diversity of interventions has grown to providing medical support, mental health interventions, signposting; the Street Angels are a caring and comforting presence on the streets. 

The report also touches on the effectiveness of the partnerships in the City with door staff, CCTV operatives, police and other community groups working together to provide a safe experience for all those in the night time economy. The report highlights how Street Angels bridges the gap, with CCTV operatives commenting that they rely heavily on the Angels in ‘grey-area situations’ that are ‘not quite criminal, not quite ambulance level, but someone still needs eyes on them’; making Street Angels the vital bridge between community and formal agencies. 

Not only does the report cover the vital work of the Street Angels currently, but also focuses on some ideas for futureproofing the service. With recommendations such as expanded coverage, improved partnership with the Safety Bus, and increased funding, the report gives an essential insight into the success of Street Angels Chester. As Dr Simone Benhafsi notes: “The ethnographic evidence collected highlights a project rooted in compassion, community cohesion, and operational excellence. In doing so, Street Angels Chester not only reduces harm but also strengthens the city’s social fabric.”

This report provides a clear roadmap for the project to continue its growth and consolidate its position as a long-term asset to Chester's community safety framework.

If you’d like to read the full report please take a look at it here.