Street Angels
Encyclopedia
Street Angels are volunteers who help people, whoever they are and whatever their situation, on the streets of many towns in the UK during the evenings. Those in need assisted by street angels include the homeless
, those under intoxication, suffering the effects of drug abuse
, assault
or any other issue which has caused personal distress or the potential for physical harm. Assistance is provided in the form of listening, caring, offering practical help or by referring people to specialist agencies who can help them. A Street Angel must be over 18, CRB checked
, interviewed and trained.
The Christian Nightlife Initiatives Network was launched in July 2008 to help support, resource and promote local street patrol projects.
Street Angels are often part of the Churches Together organisation.
The projects are supported and partnered by a wide range of agencies, including neighbourhood police and local councils.
Homelessness
Homelessness describes the condition of people without a regular dwelling. People who are homeless are unable or unwilling to acquire and maintain regular, safe, and adequate housing, or lack "fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence." The legal definition of "homeless" varies from country...
, those under intoxication, suffering the effects of drug abuse
Substance abuse
A substance-related disorder is an umbrella term used to describe several different conditions associated with several different substances .A substance related disorder is a condition in which an individual uses or abuses a...
, assault
Assault
In law, assault is a crime causing a victim to fear violence. The term is often confused with battery, which involves physical contact. The specific meaning of assault varies between countries, but can refer to an act that causes another to apprehend immediate and personal violence, or in the more...
or any other issue which has caused personal distress or the potential for physical harm. Assistance is provided in the form of listening, caring, offering practical help or by referring people to specialist agencies who can help them. A Street Angel must be over 18, CRB checked
Criminal Records Bureau
The Criminal Records Bureau , is an Executive Agency of the Home Office, which provides wider access to criminal record information through its Disclosure service for England and Wales...
, interviewed and trained.
The Christian Nightlife Initiatives Network was launched in July 2008 to help support, resource and promote local street patrol projects.
Street Angels are often part of the Churches Together organisation.
History and effectiveness
Street Angel programmes have been starting across the UK over the last several years. They have a positive impact on crime and antisocial behaviour in town centres by providing a calming presence on the streets late at night.The projects are supported and partnered by a wide range of agencies, including neighbourhood police and local councils.