Street Angels volunteers needed to relieve pressure in Chester for emergency services
After two years since the original pilot, Street Angels in Chester has been quietly keeping vulnerable people safe in Chester city centre on weekends at night. With the warmer weather coming and Chester races season due to start soon, more volunteers are needed to run additional shifts to help as many people in need as possible.
Project leader, Gary Wootten, said:
“We have run hundreds of shifts and supported thousands of people at night in Chester over the past few years, working with over 50 volunteers from all walks of life during this time.
With a busy season ahead, we need more volunteers. No shift is the same, and there are always opportunities to make a meaningful difference in people’s life, be it to de-escalate a situation, have a friendly chat, signpost to helpful organisations or assist someone to get home safely.”
Street Angels (Left-Right) Anthony, Gary, Martin and Rachael heading out on shift.
To celebrate the project and raise awareness, a new short documentary has been curated to capture the story, essence and impact of the project so far.
Featured, Paul Fielder, Purple Flag Coordinator and City Centre Manager, said:
“Street Angels came from the need for a good quality support service during the night-time economy to help make sure people visiting Chester are safe, supported and well looked after. Street Angels provides support for people feeling vulnerable. They provide support for victims of anti-social behaviour. They provide guidance and reassurance for businesses, and some offer first aid as well.”
When first approached to help, Tracey Guthrie, Assistant Pastor at Vineyard53, said:
“As a Church we said yes, we would love to be part of that. Part of following God means sharing his love with others and being in the community and being passionate about meeting the needs of other. Our church is passionate about doing that.”
Sergeant Jack Bostock, Cheshire Constabulary, said:
“I just want to say a massive thanks to the Street Angel volunteers who go out every Friday and Saturday night using their own time to make Chester a safer place. It can deter criminality which is a huge benefit. Street Angels makes our life in policing a lot easier. They’ve all been fantastic to work with, and I hope we get more volunteers to carry on the good work you are doing every week.”
One of many Street Angels projects working around the UK and internationally, Paul Blakey MBE, ROC Angels CEO, and founder of the first Street Angels project over 20 years ago, said:
“Street Angels Chester, working in partnership with a wide range of agencies, is making a massive difference on weekend nights in the city. Their documentary shows the project in action alongside words of encouragement to demonstrate how Street Angels integrates into the wider nighttime economy strategy. Thank you from ROC Angels to all those who invest to help support those who are vulnerable and make Chester an even safer and vibrant place to be.”
Canon Missioner Chester Cathedral and Street Angels Volunteer, Anthony Lees-Smith, said:
“The first time I went out with the Street Angels I was blown away by the love and appreciation people in Chester have for them. When you watch the documentary, you can understand why. They make a big difference in small ways. Even though I can only manage one night a month, I've enjoyed seeing another side of the city, meeting some wonderful people, and I just love being part of their amazing ministry of flip-flops and lollipops!”
Since 2023, Street Angels has sent out volunteer teams on Fridays, Saturdays and on race days over 150 times.
To watch the documentary go to: https://youtu.be/I1-Nne5wE7U
To find out more about signing up to be a volunteer go to: www.streetangelschester.co.uk/volunteer
