The idea
Street Angels Chester is an established, churches-led initiative hosted by Vineyard53 and working in partnership with the police, local council, businesses, and the community to improve safety in Chester city centre during the night-time economy.
We send out teams of at least three trained volunteers who patrol the city on Friday and Saturday nights from 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM, covering 6 to 8 miles each night. We provide non-judgmental care and support to individuals in vulnerable, isolated, or challenging situations, whether that's due to drinking too much, taking drugs, or a mental health crises for example, we are there to help. Through a reassuring presence and active intervention, the teams help to prevent violence and sexual offences, reduce anti-social behaviour, lower the demand on emergency services, and offer a vital listening ear to those in need.
What we'll deliver
- 50 shifts in 6 months
- Over 1,000 interventions in 6 months
- Offer de-esculation / conflict management training to all volunteers
- Develop website to improve signposting
Why it's a great idea
Every night time shift brings different challenges. We spend time clearing broken glass to prevent potential hazards; we attend to CCTV requests from door staff when people are or feel vulnerable (such as potential spiking, panic attacks, physical injury, emotional needs); we signpost to a range of services to help people with complex needs, such as rough sleepers; we help get people home safely who are vulnerable due to the affects of alcohol, lost friends or a dead phone, for example.
Complex and intersecting harms associated with the night-time economy, that Street Angels Chester is positioned to intervene, include consumption of alcohol and illicit drugs; and an increased risk of being a victim or perpetrator of violent crime and sexual assault. In our recent evaluation, one of the door staff said "It takes a lot of pressure off the door staff, the venue staff, and the police. If someone's had too much to drink, we know they'll be looked after so we can carry on doing our job."
Steps to get it done
- Mid-project review at the beginning of September
- Final review at the end of the project in December
