Organisers of the Northallerton Street Angels scheme are looking for more volunteers to patrolling the town’s streets.
The Street Angels will be back on the streets later this year following the easing of restrictions.
The New Life Baptist Church is supported by the Office of Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire and works with with local police, the Northallerton BID and the Safer Hambleton Hub from Hambleton District Council to run the scheme.
Street Angels work in groups and patrol areas of the town to offer reassurance and help anyone who might need some support on a Saturday night.
Angels do not need to be members of any church but want to work with others to help those who need help and support on a night out.
The only requirement is that you can offer one Saturday night a month to patrol between 10pm and 4am.
Full, specialist, training is given and ongoing support available.
Steve Cowie, pastor at New Life Baptist Church said: “Northallerton Street Angels became a foundation of a Saturday night out in town prior to the pandemic.
“Sadly, as with so many things that this awful disease changed, the need for patrolling diminished with lockdowns and restrictions imposed.
“However, life is returning to some form of normality and we are eager to build our Street Angels back to where they were – supporting everyone enjoying the night-time economy in town.
“We want to offer the opportunity everyone in the town and beyond to volunteer. So, this summer, as we regain our freedoms, let’s reflect on what has become so important over the last 18 months or so – keeping each other safe in any way we can.
“Street Angels do just that so if you think you could give one evening a month to help those who might need it; please volunteer to become an Angel for the town.”
Sergeant Chris Hughes, from the Northallerton Policing Team, said Northallerton was a safe town.
But he added: “Sometimes, however, we have individuals who need comfort, help and support during their night out – as well as a pair of flip flops.
“We know that when Street Angels patrolled previously, we saw a 40 per cent reduction in violent crime on a Saturday night.
“This was a fantastic achievement – we want to see this happen again and Street Angels are key to making it happen.
“This is an exciting opportunity to join the team, and I would encourage anyone who wants to help keep Northallerton safe to apply.
“Working closely with the police and other agencies, with direct contact into the Hambleton District Council’s CCTV team, Street Angels are there to offer reassurance; they are not there to enforce or intervene in situations.”
For further info visit https://northallertonstreetangels.co.uk or contact Angela Heys, team leader for Northallerton Street Angels, at angela@northallertonstreetangels.co.uk
Application forms can be downloaded via the Northallerton Street Angels website
All successful applicants are subject to a full disclosure and barring scheme check.
Training will take place in September 2021
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