Volunteers who help people on nights out in Altrincham are around to assist this December.
Altrincham Street Angels is a volunteer scheme organised by Altrincham BID, the team behind Visit Altrincham, launched in July this year to make sure the town continues to be a safe and welcoming place after dark.
They operate once a month on busy pay-day weekends. In the run-up to Christmas they are out and about on more evenings including Friday 19 December.
The Street Angels provide a reassuring presence and offer assistance to anyone in need of practical or emotional help, or just a friendly chat – and new recruits are sought to join the ranks.
Volunteers are trained in conflict awareness, first aid and safeguarding, and are there to provide extra eyes and ears for the community and visitors to the town.
The Street Angels carry rucksacks of useful things including flip flops for people struggling in uncomfortable shoes, phone chargers, foil blankets, hair bands and tissues, plasters, water and even lollipops.
Kate Gerbich, Events Marketing and Communications Director for Altrincham BID said:
“Our Street Angels are an incredible asset to Altrincham. They help create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive atmosphere for everyone enjoying the town in the evening.
“They are all from different backgrounds and bring a variety of experience to the role. They provide a calm and reassuring presence and make a real difference. We’re always excited to welcome new recruits to the team. Training is completely free, and volunteering with us is both fun and genuinely rewarding.”
The tireless work of the Street Angels ties in with the Council’s priorities for people to have healthy and independent lives in Trafford and for the economy to thrive.
Cllr Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, said:
“We are delighted to see this very helpful and compassionate voluntary service go from strength to strength in its first few months.
“People out and about at night in Altrincham, after dark, can feel confident that on busy nights there is an extra layer of support close by, to help and assist.”
Anyone interested in becoming a Street Angel in Altrincham can contact info@altrinchambid.com