We were delighted to be joined by Surrey’s Police commissioner, Lisa Townsend, the weekend before Christmas. Thank you for the generous donation, enabling us to continue operating into 2026. Here’s what she had to say about Street Angels volunteers work on her video (see here) https://www.facebook.com/reel/1660226694939602
“It was the weekend before Christmas and all around Guilford, people are out and about enjoying Guilford’s pubs and clubs, and it’s absolutely fantastic to see the nighttime economy in Surrey doing so well. But some of those revellers will end up a little bit worse for wear.
I’m Lisa Townsend. I’m Surrey’s police and crime commissioner, and tonight I’m out with a very special group of angels who volunteered their time to look after people who may have overdone it a little bit and find themselves vulnerable.
The amazing Guilford Street Angels, managed by Guilford Town Centre Chaplaincy, give up their spare time to patrol here on Friday and Saturday nights, providing care and support to visitors to make sure they’re safe. That could be to those who may have had a little bit too much to drink, may be homeless, or in a vulnerable state.
There are currently over 50 members of the Street Angel team. They encounter about three and a half thousand people here every year, helping to avert calls to the ambulance service and assisting people as they spill out of the various nighttime spots in the town.
They are probably best known for their friendly approach and handing out lollipops and flip-flops to revellers as they make their way home.
It’s gone midnight here and Guilford is pretty packed with people out and about enjoying the last Saturday night before Christmas. We’ve been out on patrol visiting some of the clubs and pubs and speaking to people about some of what they’re seeing. We’ve also been to the train station and had a chat to staff there and seen some of those making their way to and from Guilford tonight.
If you’re interested in learning more about the work the Street Angels do or becoming a volunteer, please visit their website to find out more. I’m so proud to be able to support Guilford Street Angels through my community safety fund, which helps to support volunteer uniforms, first aid kits, water, and blankets. And I want to take the opportunity to say a massive thank you to those who give up their time to make a really good and positive difference in Guilford and also to keep our community safe.”
And as follow up on our Facebook page, Lisa wrote:
“It was, as always, an enormous pleasure to join the team out in Guildford on one of the busiest nights of the year as people celebrated the Christmas holidays.
Thank you for the phenomenal work you do, late and night and often in the cold and wet, supporting our residents as they enjoy our wonderful county town.
It’s an honour to be able to support you and I look forward to coming out again soon!”
