Acclaim

MP

Borough Council

Bedsafe

Church

Street Angels

Police

Have you been helped?

Acclaim

What have people said about Bedford Street Angels?

Member of Parliament

This is a fantastic initiative and one that will be welcomed wholeheartedly by parents of teenagers from across Bedfordshire. Those of us who know the family of Robert Gill who tragically lost his life on Boxing Day 2007 will know that the danger on the streets is a reality which none of us ever want to see happen again. The Street Angels initiative is bold, sensible, creative and necessary and I wish them every success. I also look forward to helping and giving my own time to support out on the streets.

Nadine Dorries, Local Member of Parliament for Mid-Bedfordshire

Bedford Borough Council

I came across the Bedford Street Angels for the first time on the 5th September this year when members of the Licensing Committee had a visit to Bedford Town Centre to view the Night-time economy in action. I was very impressed with them and could see immediately what a difference they could potentially make in avoiding tragedy. I believe that there is a tremendous value in working with other agencies and the Bedford Street Angels are a good example of this. I wish them every success in all they are doing. Keep up the good work!

Councillor Will Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety

The response of Bedford Street Angels has been very positive and it is clear that they form an additional and beneficial response team for some of the ‘lower level’ incidents that frequently occur on street. Bedford’s Street Angel’s work effectively as an appropriate form of response within the late night economy partnership, and from my CCTV perspective I see this work as very valuable and hope that it continues for the long term.

Simon Habermehl, Contracts Manager,

CCTV & Parking Services, Bedford Borough Council

Following the tragic death of Robert Gill we were all made aware that people visiting our pubs and clubs could become separated from their friends and be extremely vulnerable. Initially when I heard about the plan I was very sceptical and thought it was about converting people. How wrong was I, the angels offer that additional safe guard and I take my hat off to them. Would any of us give up our free time to do what they do? At some point all of us have someone we love and care about in the pubs and clubs in Town and this additional safe guard is a fantastic achievement.

Gill Anderson, Principal Licensing Officer, Bedford Borough Council

I believe that the Bedford Street Angels provide a welcome and valuable service to the Young People of Bedford, particularly at times when they are at their most vulnerable.  It is an initiative that the Bedford Borough Partnership is very happy to support, and wish Adam and the Angels every success for the future.

Jason Foster, Chair, Serious Youth Violence Partnership, Youth Practitioners’ Forum

and Children & Young People’s Engagement Network, Bedford Borough Council

Bedsafe

Bedford Street Angels have been a welcomed addition to the town centre on Saturday nights. The enthusiasm and commitment of the Street Angels compliments the actions already undertaken by the various partners involved in the Bed:Safe initiative and I look forward to seeing this work progress further to make Bedford an even safer place.

Frank Fender, Coordinator of Bedsafe Steering Committee

I would like to pass on my appreciation to all the volunteers who have spent their free time on helping make Bedford a safer night out. Just seeing you guys out there does make a real difference and the perception (even though its very dark due to several street lights not working) that someone is there if or when needed. On one occasion a Street Angel even walked a friend of mine all the way home to the far end of London Road after a domestic with her then partner! Many thanks to everyone involved in making this invaluable scheme possible.

Paul Dawson, General Manager of The Rose and Chair of Licensees for Bedsafe

Church

I welcome these night-time initiatives such as Street Angels. You are working hard to help the communities in which you live by making the streets safer and I am extremely grateful to you all for that. I pray that these initiatives continue to result in reduced crime and the fear of crime. Keep up the good work!

Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York

I included a story about Street Angels in my book "Redeeming Our Communities - 21st Century miracles of social transformation" because it is a great initiative and one which provides a way for churches and the police to work together for the good of the community. Crime rates are falling as people of goodwill lend their support to the police in the important work they do across this nation.

Debra Green, Director City Links / Redeeming Our Communities

Up and down the country Street Angels and Street Pastors are making a significant and valuable contribution. Their work means that our towns are safer places, not least for those people who find they need support and a helping hand. I am delighted to commend the work of the Bedford Street Angels.

The Right Reverend Alan Smith, Bishop of St Albans

Bedford has become a safer place since the start of the Bedford Street Angels. These caring volunteers have had a real impact on the welfare and safety of the people of Bedford and I am very supportive and hugely impressed by the work that they do.

The Right Reverend Richard Inwood, Bishop of Bedford

We are delighted to identify with the outreach work being carried by Bedford Street Angels. Their high visibility coupled with strong motivation results in a strategic presence for good within the community. They deserve wide support from all concerned.

Commissioners John and Betty Matear, Territorial Leaders of the Salvation Army,

United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland

Street Angels

The work that Street Angels has done nationally has been well received and I hope and pray that much of the good practice of other projects can be adopted in our own town as we seek to grow and develop. As a faith based project, we seek to offer a Christian framework to support anyone who approaches us. Our work is not to convert people to our point of view but to share our common humanity. The project demonstrates real Christian love in action. It can be hard work at times but I look forward to seeing Bedford Street Angels as a familiar sight in our town.

Adam May, Project Coordinator of Bedford Street Angels

Since launching in Halifax in November 2005, Street Angels has gone on to make a massive impact in towns and cities across the UK. As volunteers hit the streets, with or without wings, thousands are helped and crime rates are reduced. Well done to the amazing team of volunteers in Bedford who commit each Saturday night to making a difference - your practical actions really are helping show God's Kingdom as a reality for your town - long may it last!

Paul Blakey, Founder of Halifax Street Angels

It is extraordinary to believe that you are celebrating your first full year of service – congratulations.  Seeing you the other day at committee level underlined the commitment and sacrifice of those God has called to the Street Angel team in Bedford.  Each and every one of you is hand picked and chosen by God for this service.  Your faithfulness and commitment should be recognised in this way tonight.  Each of you is so special – you are the true VIP’s.  Watford Street Angels send their prayers for a long and continued presence of the people of God on the Streets of Bedford changing the lives of those they meet. Many blessings and hang onto God in all things.

Richard Chewter, Senior Chaplain and founder of Street Angels Watford.

Police

The Bedford Street Angels are a wonderful group of people who really do make a difference on our streets during challenging weekend nights. These committed volunteers are valued partners of Bedfordshire Police and they play an important part in making visitors to Bedford Town Centre feel safer and better able to enjoy socialising in the town. The Street Angels are a reassuring presence on our streets and we shall continue to work in close partnership with them to improve community safety for all.

Gillian Parker, Chief Constable of Bedfordshire Police

Having been an officer in Bedfordshire police for nearly 10 years, I was aware of the street angels but only dealt with them every 5th week when I was on town centre duties. Now being the Licensing and Night-time Economy Sgt, I deal with the Street Angels on a weekly basis between meeting them out on patrol and also in meetings with Adam. Being responsible for the Night-time economy in Bedford, I was impressed with them and could see immediately what a difference they could make in Bedford town centre. The work that the Street Angels do allows the police in the town centre to continue with their primary objective. I am pleased to say that the street angels are also working with the police to start a Bed Safe Space venue in Bedford and hope the new formed partnership remains. Keep up the good work!

Ali McGaw, Licensing and Night time Economy Sgt

From the clubbers

You helped out my mate saturday night by De-ientes dentist near Lidl, we were a group of lads in dinner suits - just wanted to say thank you very much :)

Have you been helped by the Bedford Street Angels?

If you have been helped in any way by members of the Bedford Street Angels, we would love to hear from you as we build up stories for our database. Please note that these may be shared on our website, but permission will be obtained first.

Please email Adam May, our Project Coordinator to share your story with us.

Bedford Street Angels is non-profit making company limited by guarantee

registered in England and Wales No 7187856 and a Registered Charity No 1137619