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WE all get that niggling feeling when our loved ones go out for a night on the tiles, hoping that they stay safe and are looked after. One Bedford couple's worst fears were realised in 2007 after their son died while on a night out in the town. But out of that darkness came an initiative that helps to keep people safe and well while they let loose and perhaps drink a little bit too much. To see exactly how the Bedford Street Angels work, I decided to head out for a shift with them on a Saturday night. The organisation was formed seven years ago by Fran and Fred Gill, the heart-broken parents who lost their son, Joseph, aged just 17. Fred said: "When it happened we began to look for something we could do to help others who could find themselves in this situation, and it was through this that the Street Angels came about." The Angels you see out on the street hail from eight churches across Bedford, are background checked, trained in first aid and carry a handy backpack full of the essentials you may find yourself without during a night on the town. Tony Cimino, 47, who has been with the SA for four years explained to me: "We ensure that we go out in mixed groups of two or three, and offer the support that people need. "Sometimes it is water, help to get to a taxi, flip flops after they give up on their heels, but others it is just a listening ear." But this is only half of what this red coat clad army do, as they also have dedicated volunteers who pray for the safety of the town while the active angels are out in force. They attract people of all ages, from 20-year-old Tom Boulton, who was inspired to join with a friend, to Daphne Cherry, who has been with the group since the beginning. Tom said: "Quite often I see a lot of people I went to school with while out, which is always interesting, but we always get a great reaction from the people in the town and people are grateful that we are here." Carolynn, 63, who has been with the group for four years added: "it is not just a great response from the public, but also the police and everyone else who works out on the street on a Saturday night. "We are all working towards the same goal, to keep people safe and we have a great relationship with all of them." That was apparent from my time out with them as we helped police by giving them antiseptic wipes for a girl who had got glass in her knee; heard numerous cries of 'have you got any flip flops' from limping young ladies; and even gave warm drinks and pizza to the homeless community in Bedford. Though one young man asked if we were orienteering (due to the red coats and large backbacks) the majority of the town recognised the group as people who are safe to approach for help. So if you find yourself in a spot of bother on a Saturday night or a friend is in need, look out for red coats, hefty backpacks and big smiles. Visit bedfordstreetangels.org.uk for more Comments are closed.
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