Guildford Street Angels – Keeping the Town Centre Safe at Night

Street Angels are a team of volunteers that patrol Guildford town centre between 1.30pm and 4am on Friday & Saturday nights, providing practical care and support to anyone who has found themselves in a vulnerable state. This could be a result of alcohol, drugs, homelessness, assault, and much more. The Street Angels are there to help people have a good time and to get home safe, with no strings attached.

This week the High Sheriff went along to find out more – Noelle Coe talks about his visit, “We were able to share with the High Sheriff about the importance of valuing people and meeting them face to face. This could be by appointment with a volunteer chaplain who provides a safe non-judgmental space, as a friend over a period of time when isolated and lonely for many different reasons such as poor mental health, domestic abuse, bereavement, unemployment or a change in circumstances, as well as being out on a Friday or Saturday night helping people who have gotten into difficulties, such a being separated from friends and needing a phone recharged, first aid or a listening ear. The High Sheriff understood the importance of the support we can give people. This helps prevent possible escalation of needs and feelings of isolation and loneliness. It was great to hear that he would like to come out on a Street Angel shift and see some of our work first hand”

The organisation has around 50 volunteers that operate for around 3000 hours per year, helping in the region of three and a half thousand people – a resource that takes pressure off the Police Force and help to keep the town’s streets safe.

Shahid Azeem DL, High Sheriff of Surrey said, “It was a pleasure to spend time with the team at Guildford Street Angels and gain a better understanding of how they operate. and the different things that they do. Their actions no doubt enable the local Police to free resources to help combat crime in other areas of the Town as well and being vital eyes and ears in the Town Centre at night, helping to keep people safe. I am sure I speak for everyone when I say thank you to the volunteers who make this happen.”

Volunteers are over 18, are DBS checked, interviewed and receive specialist training to prepare them for the role. Over the years GTCC has nurtured and developed great working relationships with the local organisations and venues which results in effective collaboration when our volunteers are out. They also support other events & establishments, e.g. Fresher’s week, Alcohol Awareness events, the Guildford Retirement Fayre, the University Open days, helping to make Guildford a more welcoming place for prospective students, and reassuring the students of our presence in the town.

If you would like to become a volunteer contact the Street Angels Co-ordinator, Angela Gammage either by e-mail at streetangels@gtcc.org.uk  or telephone on 07717 876853. More information can be found at https://gtcc.org.uk/street-angels/