The Bishop of Huddersfield, th Rt Revd Jonathan Gibbs joined the town’s Street Angels on Saturday night to find out more about their work to keep revellers safer on the streets.
Starting from their base at Huddersfield’s Methodist Mission, and well wrapped up against the cold weather, the team of five volunteers toured the streets of the town centre, speaking to door staff at numerous clubs and bars, as well as chatting with late-night clubbers and a number of people sleeping rough in doorways.
Bishop Jonathan said: “The Street Angels do a fantastic job helping to look after people who may have enjoyed themselves just a little too much, handing out slippers, water and chocolate bars and assisting those who might not otherwise get home safely.
“It was great to see the rapport they have with the door staff at all the clubs and pubs – they are a familiar site to staff and clubbers alike in their bright orange jackets and we received a warm welcome wherever we went.
“We were also accompanied by one of the local PCSOs for part of our tour, who spoke very positively of the work of the Street Angels in keeping people safe late at night.”
Street Angel volunteers come from a variety of churches in and around Huddersfield and are expected to commit to one night every month. Training is given and anyone interested in joining will need a reference from their local clergy and a DBS check. For more information, see their website: www.streetangelshuddersfield.co.uk Or email Dianne_hughes@icloud.com