Friday and Saturday nights see a transformation in many towns and cities across the UK as the pubs and clubs fill with people out for a good night out – but for some it will end in drunkenness, fights and possible sexual assault. Paul Blakey MBE witnessed what was happening in his hometown of Halifax in 2005 and decided to do something about it.
Paul was the guest speaker at our September meeting. He is the pioneer founder of Street Angels and now the National Coordinator. Paul started the project in Halifax and following its amazing success has supported other towns to follow suit. Paul works closely with the Police, Churches and other voluntary organisations identifying and supporting vulnerable people of all ages who run into difficulties on out local streets. His success has also led to requests from music festivals such as the Leeds Festival to provide an ongoing support service throughout the festival and even night clubs such as Tiger Tiger have asked him to provide support.
This mammoth undertaking requires thousands of committed volunteers working across all areas of the country. Volunteers are trained in Conflict Awareness, Drug & Alcohol Awareness, First Aid, Dynamics of Town Centre Living, Anti -Terrorism, Refugees, Asylum seekers and the homeless. Once trained they are provided with distinctive street angel yellow jackets and a kit comprising of flip-flops, bottle of water, emergency thermal blankets, lollipops and spikies to stop people spiking drinks, all becoming useful in differing situations. We heard how flip-flops prevent foot injuries when the high heels are cast off and how lollipops quieten a rowdy situation. There is evidence that such action reduces violent crime and provides sanctuary for the vulnerable.
For more information about the Harrogate & District Soroptimists Club and how to become a member visit sihandd@hotmail.co.uk. Meetings are held at The White Hart hotel on the first and third Wednesday at 7:30pm
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