Will You Be A Windsor Angel?

Angels could soon be watching over Windsor town centre as part of an initiative to keep vulnerable people safe late at night.

The Street Angels scheme, which is already running successfully in other parts of the country, involves volunteer ‘angels’ patrolling the streets and assisting people who become vulnerable in any way while enjoying an evening out. Street angels listen, care, offer practical help or refer people to specialist agencies.

Windsor Churches Together, who are leading the initiative in conjunction with Thames Valley Police, are inviting anyone interested in becoming a street angel to get in touch to find out more, with a view to signing up.

A meeting to discuss the initiative and recruit volunteers will be held in due course, should enough people show an interest. A nominated Street Angels co-ordinator, members of Windsor Churches Together and representatives from Thames Valley Police will be present, along with a guest speaker from Guildford Street Angels.

Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) David Bullock, from Windsor Inner neighbourhood policing team, said: “Street angels will be a visible presence in the town centre, helping local residents as well as visitors. Showing compassion or lending an empathetic ear may be all that is required on some occasions, while at other times the angels will encounter people suffering from intoxication or drug abuse where medical attention is needed.”

Volunteers must be over 18 years old and will be CRB checked, interviewed and provided with relevant training. The angels will operate with under the guidance of an appointed co-ordinator, with support from Thames Valley Police. They will be based at one of the town centre churches and mainly patrol on Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm until 4am. Patrols will mostly be conducted in groups of three and targeted at locations where bars and night clubs are prominent, and where a calming, non-threatening presence is required.

PCSO Bullock said: “It is a hugely rewarding role where a volunteer can make a real difference to the community in which they live, building trust and confidence as well as making Windsor a safer place.”

Minister Mark Richardson said: “As part of Churches Together in Windsor I would be very supportive of the Street Angels project. It is a new and exciting opportunity to make the town centre a safer and more welcoming place for local families and tourists."

Anyone interested in attending the meeting or finding out more about the role should contact PCSO David Bullock on 07816 848231 or via email at: david.bullock@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk.