Making the streets of Birkenhead safer
Street Angels Birkenhead is a Community, Voluntary and Faith sector led initiative. Working in partnership with the local council, police, businesses and the wider community, we want to help make Birkenhead a safer place to be at the weekends.
The project is hosted by the Wirral-based charity Hitched Communities, and is one of many Angels projects supported by ROC Angels around the UK. It is also one of 20 Step-Up funded projects linked to gamechanger outcomes in the Wirral Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and one of five focussed on reducing violence.
After co-designing the service and running a first shift on December 20th 2024, the University of Chester has been engaged to evaluate the new service as it becomes established in the early part of 2025. Once the project has been evaluated, we will seek to adjust the project in line with recommendations.
To volunteer please head to our volunteering page.
FAQs
How do I become a Street Angel?
We are currently recruiting Street Angel volunteers to join a team. First, head to our volunteering page. Next, download and read the volunteer expectations. Then, fill out the short volunteer enquiry form. We will then get in touch to discuss the role and invite you to some training and a first observation shift.
Who funds us?
Funding to help us set up and pilot the service has come from the Step Up fund. To help sustain the project and help make people safer over the longer term, we will seek funds from trusts, churches, commissioning organisations and donations from individuals and local organisations.
How can we find you on the street?
We walk around the town centre in teams of two, three or four. We wear purple branded high vis tabards. We also aim for the public to also find us using the walksafe.io app map feature, once a listing has been organised.
How are funds spent?
Funding is spent on administration, equipment, recruitment and training, travel and storage.
When are Street Angel teams on the streets?
We aim for shifts to typically run from 10pm to 3am at weekends and on special events, in the first instance. Shifts will become more regular as the volunteer team increases in size. The more volunteers we have, the more help we can offer. Each month we will communicate when we expect to be out.
Who can become a Street Angel?
Street Angels Birkenhead is a Christian-led initiative. This means a variety of local Christian organisations, such as churches, are invited to help lead and steer the project. It is made up of volunteers who want to help make Birkenhead town centre a safer and better place to live, work and spend time.
Although Street Angels is a Christian-led initiative, you do not need to be a Christian to volunteer. We ask that all volunteers are respectful and adhere to the Christian ethos of the project. Anyone over the age of 18 can apply.
Where are you based?
The project is based at A Place of Contribution, Argyle Street, Birkenhead, where we store equipment and have briefings before and after shifts. The Hitched Communities registered office is 255 Poulton Road, Wallasey, Wirral CH44 4BT.
What does a Street Angel do?
Street Angels volunteers walk the streets as a team in the evening and night time, responding appropriately to help people in need. For example, this could be to offer emotional support, signpost someone to a service, or to ensure someone gets somewhere safely. Working alongside emergency services and venues, no evening is the same.
Do I need special skills?
All volunteers come with their own unique skills and experience. Opportunities for a range of training is made available, such as drug and alcohol awareness, conflict resolution, how to be an effective bystander, and first aid (including mental health first aid).
How will Street Angels work with the police?
Street Angels are trained volunteers who will work independently but in co-operation with other agencies including police. Street Angels are not involved in law enforcement and have no authority beyond that of ordinary members of the public.
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