The Safer Guildford Partnership is holding a special ceremony following a church service being held on Sunday 7th June, 6pm at Guildford Methodist Church. Church and civic leaders from across Guildford will come together and say a big thank-you to the Street Angels for all their good work and dedication in helping to keep Guildford town centre a safe place to be at night.

Guildford now has a total number of 87 Street Angel volunteers who operate in the town centre on Friday and Saturday nights.

Since October 2008 Street Angels have made over 2500 contacts with revellers and people who find themselves vulnerable in the town centre on Friday and Saturday nights, many of whom might otherwise have needed help from the Police. The Street Angels calming presence and generosity (such as giving away lollipops and flip flops) has contributed to a significant fall in violent crime against individuals in Guildford Town Centre at weekends.

Becky Edmonds, Guildford Street Angels Coordinator says: “We are overwhelmed by the positive reception Street Angels have had from right across the town. Our volunteers are wonderful people whose dedication and selfless service is making a real difference to our town. They show love and support to many people in the town who find themselves vulnerable for whatever reason.

And added: “We also want to reassure people that we are not out there to push any agendas, just to help people in practical ways and by providing a listening ear, like Jesus did.”

Volunteers, local church leaders, councillors and many other guests, as well as ordinary churchgoers, will be joined by a number of dignitaries including The Mayor of Guildford, Chief Superintendent Helen Collins (Police Commander for West Surrey) and Cllr David Wright (Guildford Borough Council’s Lead Member for Community Safety). The service, which will reflect a wide range of church traditions, will provide support and encouragement to the Street Angel volunteers.

Following the service a reception is being hosted by the Safer Guildford Partnership to celebrate the success of Street Angels and to thank the volunteers for their service to the community.

Chief Superintendent Collins, who will be speaking at the service to provide a Police perspective, says: “Street Angels is a first for Surrey Police and the project has gone from strength to strength since it started in October 2008. The volunteers provide a calming presence in the town centre and work effectively alongside officers from our neighbourhood policing team and targeted patrol units. I know the volunteers are well respected by all agencies and the town couldn’t be with out them now.

And added: “As well as helping to prevent crime and the fear of crime, the venture has also contributed to a fall in violent offences. A comparison of the six months before and after the scheme started shows a 5% drop in violence against the person on a Friday night in Guildford town centre. These are very encouraging figures and we look forward to further reductions over the coming months.”

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For further information please contact:

Lorraine Kerswill, Communications Officer, Safer Guildford Partnership, on
01483 444210 email: lorraine.kerswill@guildford.gov.uk or

Julian Lomas (Charity Secretary) on mobile: 07802 957938 email: almondtreeconsulting@ntlworld.com