The University of Surrey has further cemented their support of the work of Guildford’s Street Angels as they announced a further three-year commitment to offer a financial boost to the local charity, to extend the current three year package of support. The most recent £1000 donation from the University of Surrey will help towards covering the cost of providing the volunteer led night-time patrols.
Guildford Street Angel volunteers have been patrolling the town centre area at weekends, late at night, since 2008 – listening, caring and helping. Most of those enjoying the hospitality venues do so safely, but there are incidents and accidents, which are often preventable. Street Angels have been recognised as making a significant contribution to ensuring the welfare of people on the streets of Guildford at night.
Ben Pitt, Street Angel Co-ordinator, thanked the University for their support saying:
“Following lockdown, tensions can feel higher at times and our calming presence continues to make a difference to the atmosphere in the town centre. Many of the people that we help are students, many of them are away from home for the first time, so we are pleased to be working collaboratively with the University to help care for them if they get into difficulty and keep them safe. We are enormously grateful for the University’s on-going support.”
Ross Kelway, Public Engagement Manager at the University of Surrey, added:
“Working alongside our own Street Marshals in local roads, the Street Angels team provide a really important safety and wellbeing facility to our students and others in the town centre at night. We’re really pleased to continue our partnership, working together to make Guildford a safer and friendlier place for our students to spend their evenings out.”
The Guildford Town Centre Chaplaincy works collaboratively with a number of organisations who share a commitment to enhance the well-being of those who work, reside or visit the town. To find out more about becoming a Partner, a volunteer or supporting the work of the Chaplaincy visit https://gtcc.org.uk
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