Camberley angels herald peace on the streets (Surrey Heath Liberal Democrats

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Camberley angels herald peace on the streets

November 22, 2009 12:00 AM
By Revd Martin Wainwright, St Mary's Church Camberley in "The Wey" Dec/Jan 2009 Issue 37

After the success of other schemes all over the country, including Aldershot, Epsom and Guildford in our diocese, a new ecumenical 'Street Angels' scheme is now set to launch in Camberley.

Camberley High Street will soon host 'street angels' on Friday nights

Starting during January, Christian volunteers will take to the streets on Friday nights until the early hours of the morning to offer assistance and advice to people out on the town who might need their help.

The volunteers will offer help on many levels, whether it's providing bottled water, a Mars bar or flip flops for women struggling with high heels, to help for people left stranded by friends or those just needing a friendly face to talk to. If anyone needs specific advice on problems, the Street Angels can also give advice and details of support agencies to help longer term.

The valuable experiences of other schemes reveal that often just the appearance of Street Angels late at night encourages young people to be quieter and more respectful.

Chairman of the Street Angels committee the Revd Martin Wainwright of St Mary's Church, Camberley, hopes the initiative will help improve relationships in the community.

Martin told "The Wey" Martin It's all about meeting people where they are, without an agenda but simply asking if we can help. We want to get out and about offering a helping hand and advice where and when it is needed most, building better relationships and helping our neighbours. The calming presence of these willing volunteers on the high street is something that is almost always well received by everyone involved -including the police."

The Camberley Street Angels scheme is modelled on the success of the Guildford scheme, and one of its founders, Julian Lomas, is involved with the planning for this latest scheme.

Julian said. `The Guildford Street Angels have been a great success and have now been extended to Saturday nights too. Lots of things we have learnt can be passed onto Camberley.

"Simple things like offering lollipops can help people be quieter and calmer as they head out of town. It seems that people are also less likely to get into a fight if they are walking around with a lollipop in their mouth!"

But it's not all about sugary solutions: "We also do things such as, if an underage girl is left outside a club while her friends get in and it is going to be an hour until her dad picks her up, offering to wait with her," said Julian.

Martin has been overwhelmed by the positive response from volunteers wanting to get involved in the new Camberley scheme.

'We already have 28 volunteers - ranging from 20-somethings to 70 plus - who began their training in early November, training that includes sessions with the police, Christian Listeners and Camberley Youth for Christ.

'The team will also have practical sessions on how to spot drink and drug abuse, and basic self defence.

'A special commissioning service will take place on January 17 at St Mary's church, with the first Friday out in Camberley planned the following week.

"We expect to have a team of between six and eight volunteers out each week. It's a challenging and exciting initiative which we are all looking forward to."

The Wey will be following the launch of the Camberley scheme and updating on its progress and volunteers in the New Year.

Although Camberley Street Angels have already filled their ranks for work on the streets, there are plenty of ways you can help if you want to contribute in some other way.

For more information please speak to Revd Martin Wainwright or one of his colleagues on 01276 685167.