The main vision and aim of Street Angels is to make the streets of Halifax a safer place for those using the nightlife economy - for example night-clubbers, theatre patrons and those working within the town.
Set up by Churches Together in Halifax in association with Halifax YMCA November 2005, Street Angels aims to be the church in action and making a difference in one of the places it is needed the most. Staffed by around fifty Christian volunteers and based at the Fairtrade Café, at YMCA on Crossley Street, Street Angels provides a drop in centre which is a safe place. It sends teams out on the streets of the town in fluorescent yellow jackets to offer help to those who have become vulnerable or simply those who want help and advice.
Since its launch Street Angels has won the support and partnership of a wide range of bodies including: Halifax Neighbourhood Policing; Calderdale Council Nightlife Project; Yorkshire and Humber Regional Government; Halifax PubWatch; various pubs and nightclubs; and those using the night economy.
The project helped in reducing crime levels throughout December 2005 and on this basis the church in Halifax has committed long term to running Street Angels. As well as making Halifax a safer place, Street Angels has seen Christians in the town unite together in running the project with Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal and Salvation Army working as one.
As well as providing instant help, Street Angels can advise on issues such as alcohol addiction, binge drinking or drugs and refer people to specialist agencies. Prayer and counselling are also available and space is provided for people to talk through some of the deeper emotional and spiritual issues in life. Situations witnessed such as violence on the streets are also prayed about by Street Angels (who don’t directly become involved in conflict). We find that because of our prayers potentially ugly scenes are transformed and are resolved peacefully.
A new partnership starting April 2006 will see St John Ambulance based at Fairtrade Café to provide first aid assistance for those who suffer minor cuts and bruises. This “patch and dispatch” service will help ease the pressure on overloaded services in the busy Accident and Emergency unit in Calderdale Royal Hospital.
Other towns and cities across Yorkshire who have heard the positive difference Street Angels makes are looking into setting up similar projects.
New Resources Page on the website! : http://www.streetangels.org.uk/cni_resources.htm
Street Angels runs each Friday and Saturday 9pm - 3am in Halifax town centre.
"Street Angels? What a great idea. I congratulate everyone working to make Halifax a safer place at night without taking the fun out of life. Christians - get to it!"
The Most Revd & Right Hon. Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York
"The Street Angels have had a very positive impact on the town centre of Halifax, All the feedback I get from the Licensees and doorstaff is that they do a first class job." Sgt Dave Apsee of the Halifax Inner Neighbourhood Policing Team
"I was very impressed by the work of the Street Angels in Halifax. I enjoyed spending a Friday night with them walking the streets and talking to people. It was very interesting to hear the positive responses from members of the public."
Rt. Rev. Tony Robinson, Bishop of Pontefract
"Please keep up the fantastic work. It is so humbling to me in a world which often seems obsessed with money, possessions and measures, to see you all selflessly donate your time and skills in finding and helping vulnerable people in their time of need, adding true value to their lives"
Jonathan - manager The Acapulco, Halifax.
"Before the night we came to meet the Street Angels we never knew they existed. When I got the phone call from you to say you had found Jason I came straight away but I was unsure of what to expect. I was welcomed into your cafe and made to feel so safe and comfortable. Jason was being well looked after and I was glad you had found him. He was really disoriented and could've ended up anywhere. I can't tell you how grateful we are. As I said, before that night we never knew you existed, now we see you everywhere, looking out for everyone. Halifax is a lucky place to have you" Julia and Jason | 
