Quotes

People we have helped:

"I just want to say a huge thankyou to the 4 gentlemen that walked me from Jumpin' Jaks, to the takeout place, a bank (didn't have enough money lol), and then to ABC taxi rank tonight. I didn't want to walk by myself as I was alone (18th July at about 1.15am). Thank you so much for your time" E-mail sent to us

"Thank you for helping us out a couple of Friday's ago with our Camper Van in George Square. We really appreciated the support of the Street Angels. You're a fantastic group of people!" Lisa Barrea - Support Officer, Sexual Health Programme, Calderdale NHS

"Thank you for helping me get home last night, felt absolutely horrible. I just had way too many shots at one time... then they all hit me at once, something i won't soon be repeating. SORRY.. and thanks again." Graham

"I would like to thank the very nice people who helped me in Halifax on Saturday 10th Jan. I was in such a state and was very vulnerable. Im not sure exactly what happened BUT I have learnt a valuable lesson and will not let it happen again. Anyways, keep up the good work, you are an example for us all." Matt


"I would just like to say that on Sunday night (21-12-08) there was a car accident on Burnley Road, at about 12am. One of your Street Angels was passing at the time and assisted with the injury party. I was impressed by his professionalism through out the incidents, I would like to say that if I had not been passing at that point I would never have know what Street Angels did. He will truly be an unsung hero of that night, the way he remained calm and assisted the police with moving traffic on, so please keep up the good work. I hope that if ever me or family were in the same situation that one your Angels would be there to assist." Vickie


"Thank you for all the help you gave us. I think they should have organisations like yours in most towns." - Peta from Rochdale


"Halifax is a quality night out and getting back to how things used to be, Police, street wardens and 'Street Angels' keep the streets safe..." - from Knowhere Online Guide


"Before the night we came to meet the Street Angels we never knew they existed. When I got the phone call from you to say you had found Jason I came straight away but I was unsure of what to expect. I was welcomed into your cafe and made to feel so safe and comfortable. Jason was being well looked after and I was glad you had found him. He was really disoriented and could've ended up anywhere. I can't tell you how grateful we are. As I said, before that night we never knew you existed, now we see you everywhere, looking out for everyone. Halifax is a lucky place to have you" - Julia and Jason



High Sheriff of West Yorkshire:

"My role as High Sheriff means that I am the Queen's representative for Law and Order in West Yorkshire and therefore I work mainly with the Judiciary and the Police. However, I have been very active in getting out into the community and some of that time has been spent with Street Angels in Halifax. I have been very impressed with the work they do both in "connecting" between the public and the police in Halifax town centre, at times, that is Friday and Saturday nights, when the centre is at is busiest and most difficult after hours. The volunteers go about their work in a friendly way and relate well to the public, the majority of which are heavily under the influence of alcohol and in high spirits. They give aid and assistance, probably rarely recognised and provide an outstanding service to Halifax town centre and the community.

They are setting a great example and I do hope Street Angels succeed in other similar town and city centres." High Sheriff of West Yorkshire 08/09 - Roger Bowers



Home Office:

"I am delighted the 'Angels' have achieved so much for Halifax and its people. Thank you for all you have done in bringing about that success." Felicity Everiss CBE, Regional Director, Government Office for Yorkshire and Humber

"On Friday evening I had the privilege to see for myself the fantastic work done by the Street Angels to help to make Halifax a safer place. It is clear that all the Street Angel volunteers have played a significant part in helping to reduce crime in the town and they are very worthy regional winners of the Home Office sponsored Tilley Awards. Well done and thank you for all that you do." Jacqui Lewis, Government Office Yorkshire and Humber Regional Director


"It was a very informative visit on Friday evening and it was encouraging to see that you have a team of very committed volunteers working in Halifax. Having seen first hand the work that you all do, it is clear that you have been a key partner with the Police in reducing the recent levels of violent crime in your proactive patrols on the streets on Friday and Saturday nights. Please pass on my thanks to your team and I wish you every success in your future work in Halifax." Helen Kynaston, Performance Support Manager, Police and Partnerships Standard Unit

Police:

"I think you [Street Angels] do a fantastic job... We [the police] are very grateful for the work done by the Street Angels." Sir Norman Bettison, Chief Constable West Yorkshire Police, on BBC Radio Leeds phone-in.

"It is so positive to find an organisation who care passionately about others, the Street Angels are wonderful people who have my total admiration. Their contribution to making Halifax a safer place to come at night is held with high regard by all the agencies involved in promoting Halifax. The safety and welfare of those visiting the town on a weekend is of upmost importance to me, knowing the Angels are there fills me with confidence that those in need will be helped. God bless you all!" Inspector Peter Smith, former Halifax NPT


"I want people to enjoy the night life of Halifax but most of all, I want them to stay safe. All too often the affects of alcohol mean that people come to the notice of the police, either as victims or perpetrators. Early intervention and support by the volunteer Street Angels can and does prevent this. I am delighted that the Street Angels are involved in a co-ordinated approach to ensuring that Halifax remains a safe place." - Chief Supt. Ian Levitt, former Divisional Commander Calderdale Police


"The Street Angels are really special people. I have witnessed them first hand giving care, support and help to people in lots of different situations. Some examples of this is the support given to people who have been lost, confused, injured, or have had far too much to drink. These people have found a caring group of people to turn to. The Street Angels have arranged medical care, contacted friends on their behalf, arranged transport, or have just taken the time to listen to someone who is upset. The volunteers are really making a difference and are providing a safe haven for vulnerable people. I fully support and applaud this excellent project." - Chief Inspector Vince Firth, former Halifax Neighbourhood Police

"The Street Angels have had a very positive impact on the town centre of Halifax, All the feedback I get from the Licensees and doorstaff is that they do a first class job." - Sergeant Dave Apsee former Halifax Inner Neighbourhood Policing Team

Politicians:

"I have just met some of the Street Angels working in the region, they do a tremendous job." Prime Minister Gordon Brown on a BBC interview for The Politics Show - web link to full interview

"I have not encountered such an effective co-operative approach across the UK" Nick Clegg - Leader of the Liberal Democrats (on a visit to Halifax to look at Street Angels, Ambassadors, Police and Marshals)


"I welcome the work undertaken to make the streets of Halifax safer at night and the positive results achieved in reducing city centre crime... This type of partnership working that is taking place in Halifax is just the kind we are encouraging across the country. I wish Street Angels continuing success in carrying on their valuable work." - Tony McNulty, Minister of State for Peace and Security


"The Street Angels provide an excellent service and have helped to drastically reduce crime in Halifax town centre. They are the eyes and ears of the local community and work hard to prevent crime and keep the streets of Halifax safe." - Linda Riordan, MP for Halifax



Town Centre Management:

"Spending time in the Fairtrade Café made me realise that there is some fantastic people out there, people who also give up their spare time to help others. If the world was full of people like those I met in the Fairtrade Café, then the world would be a perfect place." Paul Bellinger - Senior Ambassador


"The work that the Street Angels and Halifax Town Centre Ambassadors undertake is fantastic. They have a real impact in the town centre. Not only do they work in partnership with the police, town centre businesses and others to ensure crime figures are falling but they help to reduce the fear of crime. It is testament to both teams that they have won awards and the biggest compliment is that other towns are looking to Halifax to set up similar schemes - I would personally like to thank Jean and Paul Blakey and the team who have worked tirelessly on a voluntary basis to set up the Street Angels. The whole team can be proud of the work they do for others." - Beth Ward, Halifax Town Centre Manager


"The Street Angels project has made a huge impact on Halifax Town Centre over the last year. They really are the heart and soul of our partnership's work to make Halifax a safe and welcoming place to visit in the evening." - Andrew Sloman, former Calderdale Council Nightlife Coordinator, now Dewsbury and Batley Town Centre Manager

The Street Angels' efforts also support the work of the Halifax Town Centre Forum's Ambassadors and the NightLife Initiative - run by the Calderdale Community Safety Partnership - both of which have received European and Yorkshire Forward Grant funding through Action Halifax.

From its start through the work of Calderdale Churches Together, Halifax Street Angels is a great example of local partnership working and has played a big part in the significant reduction in crime and violence, again making Halifax one of the safest and best Towns for a night out." - John Shepherd, Chief Executive Action Halifax

Church:

"I included a story about Street Angels in my book "Redeeming Our Communities - 21st Century miracles of social transformation" because it is a great initiative and one which provides a way for churches and the police to work together for the good of the community. Crime rates are falling as people of goodwill lend their support to the police in the important work they do across this nation." Debra Green, Director City Links / Redeeming Our Communities


"We were very glad to identify with the work of Street Angels in Halifax on Saturday night. Your presence on the streets is highly visible and in the immediate few minutes of beginning our time with you it was obvious that people knew they could call for help." - Commissioners John and Elizabeth Matear, leaders of the Salvation Army in UK and Ireland


"Street Angels? What a great idea. I congratulate everyone working to make Halifax a safer place at night without taking the fun out of life. Christians - get to it!" - The Most Revd & Right Hon. Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York


"I was very impressed by the work of the Street Angels in Halifax. I enjoyed spending a Friday night with them walking the streets and talking to people. It was very interesting to hear the positive responses from members of the public." - Rt. Rev. Tony Robinson, Bishop of Pontefract


"What an inspiration! An amazing group of people showing practical Christian care in difficult situations and among vulnerable people, and helping to make Halifax a better and safer place" - Rev. Robert Freeman, Archdeacon of Halifax

Community Foundation:

"Recently I attended a meeting, along with the Chair of Community Foundation for Calderdale, Dr. Ingrid Roscoe, the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire... after having exchanged pleasantries and sat down Ingrid enquired as to how the Street Angels project was doing in Halifax, and proceeded to tell us how the Halifax model is being followed in other areas with great success! This is a testament and credit to all the time and commitment given freely by the team of volunteers... On behalf of our members, Trustees and staff at the Foundation I congratulate on your first and very successful year in making Halifax a safer and more welcoming place at night". - Steve Duncan, CEO Community Foundation for Calderdale



Media:

"Congratulations on four years for Street Angels in Halifax - and to all the Awards winners! You do a great job - thank you for making me feel so welcome - long may you continue" Liz Green from BBC Radio Leeds lunch-time show who presented Awards to volunteers at our Fourth Birthday Event

"(Street Angels and St John Ambulance) generosity of spirit is a win-win situation for everyone concerned, from the young people who receive their direct help to the regular police, paramedic and hospital staff who will have more time to deal with real emergencies" from Courier Comment, 10-5-2006


"Street Angels have found that there was a need for a common sense approach to problems in the town centre... Crime in the town centre has fallen by 40 per cent since the Street Angels got their wings. They have become a welcome sight in the town - not just for helping those in trouble - but also being a symbol of security..." from Courier Comment, 1-12-2006


"The fantastic work of all agencies and the introduction of schemes like Nightlife Initiative and Street Angels, Nightlife Marshals, the Town Centre Ambassadors have all contributed to reducing the fear of crime and preventing violence in Halifax, without taking resources away from the police... It shows a more holistic approach is not wishy-washy liberalism but a workable option" from Courier Comment 13-2-2007


"The Street Angels initiative which is set to start work in Bradford, has apparently been a great success in Halifax... Halifax is now said to be a much safer place for local people to go for a night out. This is just what Bradford needs... With two years under its belt, the Street Angels organisation can reasonable claim to have proved itself. We look forward to seeing similar results in Bradford." from Telegraph and Argus Comment, 21-11-2007

Street Angels:

"Last year I visited Halifax to get ideas on having a Street Angels in Hull. I was hugely impressed with the project and how professional it was run. We have now started in Hull and this wouldn't be possible if we didn't recieve the support from Halifax. I would like to thank Paul and his team for the support they have given to me to start in Hull. Keep up the excellent work and may God bless everyone of you" Matthew Lunn, Project Coordinator of Hull Street Angels

"What a fantastic, God inspired and God blessed project. You don't need a faith to see the impact on the town. The figures speak for themselves. Well done guys. Hats off too to the likes of the police, council, licensees, YMCA and CCTV radio for supporting you." Jeremy Clough - Harrogate Town Pastors project


"The work and commitment of the Street Angel volunteers continually amazes me - people who have a real heart to make a difference in our town centre. Along with St John Ambulance who have made a real impact on the many hundreds they have first-aid assisted; Nightlife Marshals who swiftly deal with security issues; the Community Support Officers who give time day in day out freely; and the Police - we have noticed a real change in the night time atmosphere of our town. With the Ambassadors who provide day time cover and the people who provide the finances to make everything happen, Halifax is leading the way in showing our nation the true value of partnership, volunteers and faith intertwined..." Paul Blakey, Street Angels coordinator