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About Us
Introducing BSA Why do it? Our Volunteers Information Leaflet
Principles and Values
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Introducing Bedford Street Angels
Bedford Street Angels was born out of the tragic death of a young man, Robert Gill who died as a result of a mugging and murder on Boxing Day 2007. It was his adoptive parents, Fred and Fran who asked the churches of the town to explore the possibility of forming a Street Angels project to support the vulnerable who access the night time economy to ensure there is no similar tragedy. Bedford Street Angels has been in operation since its launch in February 2009 and the first year celebrtion was held in March 2010. The project is currently supported by seventeen churches from within the All Bedford Churches Together network.
Our aims are similar to existing Street Angel and Street Pastor schemes, of which Portsmouth and Halifax are good examples. Our common aim is to provide unconditional, non-judgemental support and practical help to those who have become vulnerable to crime or distress. It uses the biblical example of the Good Samaritan on which to mould it’s values. There are well over a hundred such schemes across the towns and cities of the UK. All of them have teams of volunteers from local churches and have seen success in reducing violence, antisocial behaviour and fear of crime in their communities.
Why do it?
It’s after 2.00am, freezing cold, and Bedford Street Angels are still out. Why do we do it?!
It’s because we care and want to make a difference. The Board of Trustees, committee members and all volunteers of the Street Angels are Christians who believe that our faith involves serving our community. Partnering with God in prayer and action adds a dimension that sees communities and people transformed. God is far too big to be kept in a church building – as Christians we have chosen to live a life that seeks to make a difference – for the better. That difference needs to be made in the places where people are.
Our Volunteers
The volunteers don't wear wings or have halos, but a group of Street Angels are helping to reduce violent crime in Bedford town centre. In their distinctive red fleece, they set out in teams of three to patrol along a wide area focusing on the town centre. More often than not, the Street Angels are available to help people, especially the vulnerable; those who may have become isolated from their friends, are on their own waiting for their lift home to arrive, need direction to locate taxi ranks or cash machines. But the Street Angels are also on hand to help those who have had too much to drink, or wait with folk needing a paramedic.
For churches, this is a great opportunity to put Christian faith into practice in our local communities. By working together across denominational groupings, we can demonstrate our shared desire to make a difference in our locality. Volunteers undergo a comprehensive training programme which should equip them to respond to all sorts of situations in the late night environment. Volunteers must be age 18 or over but there is no upper age limit.
Information Leaflet
The Information Leaflet gives an overview of Bedford Street Angels and how people can get involved.
Bedford Street Angels Operating Principles and ValuesBedford Street Angels is a Christian Enterprise under the management of a committee made up of a representative number of churches signed up to the project. All volunteers agree to work and abide by the policies and procedures laid down by the Bedford Street Angels Committee. A non-judgemental approachBedford Street Angels believes that people in need are best served by a non-judgemental approach to address their needs.
CollaborationBedford Street Angels believes that an integrated community based approach is the way to most effectively achieve its vision.
Support and trainingVolunteers are essential to the delivery of this service. Bedford Street Angels is committed to quality training and the ongoing support of its volunteers.
ProfessionalismBedford Street Angels believes that an effective and professional approach is required to the way the service is managed in order to ensure its sustainability.
IntegrityIt is imperative to the success of Bedford Street Angels that the service is delivered with the highest ethical and legal standards. Honesty, fairness, consistency and sincerity are the principles underpinning all Street Angels’ activities.
Add valueBedford Street Angels is committed towards being ‘salt and light’ within the community. |
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Bedford Street Angels is non-profit making company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales No 7187856 and a Registered Charity No 1137619 |
