The founder of Street Angels features on Premier Christian Radio Prayers of Hope this week.

Listen here to the full show on Premier Radio (you need to create an account) (Paul is on at 5:35)

Listen to Paul's prayer here:

​​Lord, we thank you for this summer season and all that it brings. 

As the world gathers around sporting events, including the World Cup, Wimbledon and Tour de France, we thank you for those who are called to shine your light within these spaces. We pray for the work of Sports Chaplaincy and Christians in Sport who are equipping, resourcing and celebrating those people of faith involved within the world of sport.

As Festival Angels we are seeking to shine God's light at some of the many festivals and events taking place over the summer. As people gather for music, community and fun we pray for those, like Festival Angels, who are seeking to offer welfare and support. We pray for those at Download Festival, with headliners such as Linkin Park and Guns and Roses, who received Jesus Loves Festivals temporary tattoos and especially for the 20 or so people who wanted to explore Jesus further and received a copy of the Metal Bible.  We pray for those involved and working within festival life.

We pray for seaside resorts and tourist attractions. Thank you creator God for places of amazing beauty where we can reconnect with you and one another. We seek and pray for the peace and prosperity of these places and those involved within the tourism industry. 

We pray for the teams of Street Angels and Street Pastors who will be on patrol within the night-time of towns and cities across our nation. We pray for the safety and peace of every community within our nation. 

You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Download the PDF here
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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 quieting 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 meaning difference in people’s life, be it to de-escalate a situation, have a friendly chat, signpost to helpful organisations or assist someone get home safely.”

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.

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 night time economy strategy. Thank you from ROC Angels to all hose 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-Lee, 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 find out more about signing up to be a volunteer go to: www.streetangelschester.co.uk