Street Angels group scoops £1,000 community prize
By Vita Millers November 29, 2010 THE Street Angels who give assistance and occasionally flip-flops to late night revellers in Guildford have won a community award. The volunteer group, run by the Guildford Town Centre Chaplaincy, was named a winner in the Community Empowerment Awards, which means the organisation will now go on to represent the county in the South East England Empowerment Partnership Awards programme. Guildford Street Angels’ representative and town centre chaplain Rod Boreham accepted their prize of £1,000 at a recent ceremony at County Hall. Lower Green Community Empowerment and North Leatherhead Football Club were named as runners-up, and the Surrey Creative Communities and Our Community Street Team received highly commended certificates. Guildford Street Angels are volunteers who look after people out on the town on Friday and Saturday nights. These could include homeless or drunk people, or those suffering the effects of drug abuse or assault, or any other issues which have caused distress or the potential for physical harm. The Street Angels help people by listening, offering practical help, giving out lollipops, flip-flops or foil blankets, or by referring people to other agencies which can help them. Mr Boreham said they were very pleased to win the award. “We were very surprised in a way because there were so many good organisations there. "When we heard about what they do, we thought they all deserve them [an award] really. “We were very surprised, but very grateful to have been recognised for what we do.” The Street Angels first went out in Guildford on Friday, October 17, 2008, and the organisation had about 50 volunteers working shifts every few weeks. Since June of last year, the Angels have also been going out on Saturday nights. The organisation now has 100 volunteers signed up to the scheme. “It’s gone very well, we’ve been very encouraged by the reception we’ve had from people, a lot of them recognise us now, they get used to us being around,” said Mr Boreham. “Our partnership with the police has also grown very strong now. We get called in now and again to minor things, which means the police can go on and deal with more serious incidents. “We hear from the police that we’ve had a significant impact on the nightlife of the town, we’re very encouraged by that.” The chaplain, who goes out regularly himself, added: “I think the impression I have from the town centre is that the majority of people are out to enjoy themselves. It’s a very small minority who get themselves into trouble or feel vulnerable. “People think of Guildford as an awful place on Friday and Saturday nights, but that is exaggerated. My impression is that generally Guildford is a safe place to be.” The aim of the community awards is to encourage and reward the dedication and enthusiasm of local people, voluntary organisations or community groups, that have worked with their local councils to influence decisions about their communities and the services they receive. Source: http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/s/2083068_street_angels_group_scoops_1000_community_prize Comments are closed.
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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 |