My Journey with Chester Street Angels I'm Samantha-Leigh, and my days are consumed by my property business, Homes by Hampson. The demands of my work often leave little time for myself, and I felt a deep yearning to do something more meaningful. That's when I discovered Chester Street Angels, a voluntary support group that provides assistance to the vulnerable on the streets of Chester. Joining Chester Street Angels wasn't just about giving back to the community; it was a lifeline for me to step outside my daily grind and connect with people on a profound level. Little did I know the incredible experiences and heartfelt moments that awaited me. On my very first shift, I met individuals whose resilience and stories humbled me. Each person on the street had a unique narrative, a testament to human endurance in the face of adversity. Some found an unexpected freedom in their street life, while others struggled against the cold and harsh conditions. I felt privileged to offer them small tokens of comfort—a hat, a bottle of water, a lollipop. Their smiles and gratitude for these simple acts of kindness were profoundly moving. As we patrolled the city, picking up broken glass and discarded bottles, I realized how vital our work was. We weren't just cleaning up; we were preventing potential harm. A particularly touching moment was when we handed out flip-flops to women who had abandoned their high heels in favor of walking barefoot. Seeing their relief and knowing we had spared them from injury was incredibly rewarding. One evening, during the Chester races, I was scheduled for a 5-10 pm shift. We received a distress call about a person in crisis. We spent nearly two hours offering emotional support until medical help arrived. The feeling of knowing we had made a tangible difference in someone's life in their moment of need was indescribable. Feeling compelled to do more, I extended my shift to the second shift that finishes at 3am. Just ten minutes into the shift, we responded to another emergency—a person with a severe head injury. I provided emergency medical help and coordinated with emergency services. The gravity of the situation underscored the critical role we played in the community. Later that night, we found a person vulnerable freezing cold intoxicated and lost, with no phone and no idea where they were staying. Ensuring their safety became our priority getting them warmed up and sobered with water and safe to their hotel. Shortly after, we encountered a young woman who had been spiked. Disoriented and separated from her partner, she was incredibly vulnerable. This experience opened my eyes to the dangers that can arise from a seemingly normal night out. Volunteering with Chester Street Angels has shown me the profound impact of our work. We collaborate with emergency services and door staff, all united in our mission to keep others safe. Although I'm not part of the church that supports this project, the warmth and welcome I've received have been overwhelming.
Chester Street Angels is more than just a volunteer group; it’s a lifeline for so many. It’s a beacon of hope in the darkness, providing safety, support, and compassion. We desperately need awareness, support, and funding to continue our vital work. I invite you to join us, volunteer, donate hats, support us, and help us make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Your support can help keep Chester a safer place and ensure that no one feels alone in their time of need. Please consider supporting Chester Street Angels. Together, we can continue to provide a lifeline to the vulnerable, a warm hand to hold in times of crisis, and a beacon of hope in our community. Comments are closed.
|
ROC Angels NewsThis blog is a place for stories and news updates from within the ROC Angels family. |
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 |