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In Nantwich town centre, the Alpha Omega WPS Foundation’s Street Angels initiative has proven to be a beacon of hope and support, especially during the bustling New Year period. This community-driven campaign, comprising dedicated volunteers, has left an indelible mark on the streets, offering a helping hand to those in need.

Armed with backpacks filled with first aid equipment, water, flip-flops, and thermal blankets, the Nantwich Street Angels embarked on their mission during the late-night hours providing assistance and comfort to young individuals who may find themselves worse for wear after a night of revelry or facing distressing situations such as separation from friends or loss of belongings.

The impact of this initiative has been nothing short of extraordinary. Pub and club-goers have found solace in the presence of our volunteers, who patrolled the streets from late night to the early hours, ready to lend a supportive hand. We’re proud that the Street Angels have truly become a symbol of community care and solidarity.

As the campaign gains momentum, the Street Angels are calling for more local individuals to join their ranks. The success of the initiative over the New Year period is a testament to the positive change that can be achieved when communities unite for a common cause. The more individuals involved, the greater the impact on the safety and well-being of the community during vulnerable night time hours.

​This campaign’s success is not only measured by the tangible assistance provided but also by the sense of reassurance and community spirit it instils. The WPS Foundation’s commitment to creating a safer and more supportive environment in Nantwich is epitomized by the incredible efforts of the Street Angels.

​For information on becoming a Nantwich Street Angel volunteer call us on 01270 303187 or email [email protected]

Paul Blakey was interviewed on UCB2 This Is My Story about the work of Street Angels, Festival Angels and Redeeming Our Communities. You can listen on catch up:

www.ucb.co.uk/catchup scroll down to UCB2, This Is My Story, 17/1/2024 at 2:08:40 onwards

The work of Street Angels is set to celebrate a milestone later this month as the movement turns eighteen. 

Launched on 25th November 2005, Street Angels has become a model of best practice for towns and cities across the UK and overseas and has inspired several spin-off projects. 

Street Angels, who are famous for handing out flip-flops and lollipops, have helped reduce violent crime and anti-social behaviour in many of the communities where the volunteer teams work. 

Paul Blakey MBE, the founder of Street Angels, says, "Eighteen years ago the original Street Angels didn't imagine that our simple response to an out of control Friday and Saturday night in Halifax would become a movement of projects around the world.

"People who care, simply loving the person in front of them, is a powerful act that makes a massive difference whether on the streets, at a music festival, in a shop or nightclub through chaplaincy or supporting some of the most vulnerable within our communities. 

"I am so thankful for everyone who has volunteered and stood with us throughout these last eighteen years."

The hundred local projects, who are now overseen by the charity Redeeming Our Communities, have expanded to include initiatives such as: Festival Angels, who work at or support work at many of the UK's biggest music festivals; Chaplaincy teams supporting staff and customers in pubs, nightclubs and town centres; support for homeless communities; and offering safe place drop-in's. 

Whilst some projects have come and gone due to changes within the night-time economy, new projects continue to launch. 

Recent months have seen Street Angels starting along the North Wales coast, in Accrington and Chester. New Festival Angels teams this summer were at Download in Castle Donington, Parklife in Manchester, Porthleven Food Festival, Cornwall and Yarty Party in Devon.

More information on the work of ROC Angels and the local projects can be found at www.streetangels.org.uk or by searching ROCStreetAngels on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. 
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Pictures below:

The newest team of Street Angels in Accrington
Leeds Festival Angels volunteers