Early Day Motion in Parliament for Cleveland CNI Network projects

Source - online copy of the motion

Early day motion 651

CLEVELAND STREET ANGELS

• Session: 2014-15
• Date tabled: 18.12.2014
• Primary sponsor: McDonald, Andy
• Sponsors: 
  • McDonnell, John

That this House commends the work of Boro Angels, the Guisborough Nightlights, the Hartlepool Town Pastors, the Redcar Beacons, the Stockton Town Pastors and all other Street Angels programmes; notes that Cleveland-based Street Angels have volunteered over 6,500 hours within the last year to provide a caring presence and support, without judgement and regardless of circumstance, for people on nights out who are in need of assistance; congratulates Cleveland-based Street Angels for its efforts in keeping Cleveland safe and clean through administering first aid to more than 160 people, recovering more than 4,500 bottles and glasses and helping 76 vulnerable people into taxis; and recognises the tremendous service that Street Angels programmes provide to communities throughout Cleveland.


Media Release from Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner:

Cleveland’s Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger and Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald have taken their praise for the Cleveland street angel schemes one step further through an Early Day Motion to Parliament.

Mr McDonald tabled the motion to the House of Commons in recognition of the tireless work of the Boro Angels, Guisborough Nightlights, Hartlepool Town Pastors, Redcar Beacons, Stockton Town Pastors and other street angel programmes.

Early Day Motions help to draw attention to events, campaigns, or good work and demonstrate the backing for a cause by collecting supportive signatures from MPs and they can be debated in Parliament.

In support of the street angel programmes, the motion highlights that 6,500 hours of voluntary work was carried out in the last year, first aid was given to more than 160 people, and volunteers recovered more than 4,500 bottles and glasses from the streets and helped 76 vulnerable people into taxis.

Cleveland’s revellers may know of the street angels as ‘the people who hand out the flip-flops and lollipops’ – but their work is much more than that. They provide a voluntary service on the streets, helping those in need, offering support and advice, and being a helpful addition to the emergency services.

MP Andy McDonald said: "I’ve been aware of the excellent and valuable work of these volunteers for some time and in my own constituency where their dedication is vital in helping to keep the town safe for residents and visitors.

"They are a credit to Cleveland and I’m delighted to be able to commend them for their work by tabling the Early Day Motion to the House of Commons. I urge other MPs to acknowledge the work of street angel programs in their towns and show their support by signing the motion."

Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger added: "I have been out on the streets with volunteers over recent months and have seen first-hand their passion for helping people and keeping Cleveland safe.

"These volunteers are giving their own free time on cold and dark nights and although they are volunteering throughout the year, Christmas is a poignant time to celebrate their work. Street angels show the true spirit of community and it’s absolutely right that their work is commended in this way. I’m sure the areas other MPs will follow suit in supporting this motion."

Cleveland programme co-ordinator Steve Brock said: "I’m absolutely delighted that this Early Day Motion has been tabled. Our volunteers have a huge heart for the towns in which they work and provide a caring and compassionate presence at a time when individuals can find themselves vulnerable and in need of help. We are able spend time with people and provide a listening ear for those who just want to talk, and provide practical assistance whenever we can."

The Early Day Motion can be found through this link: http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2014-15/651