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Our History
Since 2004 a consortium of voluntary, community and faith organisations in Guildford (known as Guildford Together) has been working to develop proposals for the use of the community space proposed for the Friary extension redevelopment in Guildford town centre.
Guildford Together has developed a business plan, endorsed by Guildford Borough Council, for the use of the community space as a voluntary sector resource centre and drop in facility for the public. Central to the business plan is the concept of a “Community Pastoral Team”. It is this concept which has been developed by the churches of Guildford into the Guildford Town Centre Chaplaincy (including the Guildford Street Angels programme).
With the delays to the Friary extension redevelopment, Guildford Together has encouraged the churches to press ahead the Town Centre Chaplaincy including Street Angels in advance of the availability of the community space.
During the latter part of 2007 and early 2008 a great deal of work went into research into similar projects in other town and cities, development of the proposals for Guildford and partnership development.
In October 2008 we launched Guildford Street Angels on Friday nights and expanded it to include Saturdays in June 2010. Guildford Street Angels has strong support from Surrey Police, including Chief Constable Mark Rowley who came to offer his support and endorsement to the programme on its first night. Find out more about the first night by watching this video. Street Angels has contributed to a 29% fall in public place violence in Guildford on Fridays and Saturdays since its launch.
In January 2010, Rod Boreham, Guildfords Town Centre Chaplain, took up post. Working with volunteer chaplains, he aims to bring a spiritual dimension to town centre life and build bridges of understanding, trust and cooperation between communities of work, faith, leisure and society and, together with a team of volunteer chaplains, to provide a caring, listening presence for anyone who lives in, works in or visits the town centre.
Annual reports
Our annual reports tell the story of our journey so far. You can down load them using the links below:
Our supporters
The Town Centre Chaplaincy and Street Angels programme now enjoy the support of a wide range of partners including:
Volunteer stories
Here are just a few of the reasons why people have volunteered to be Street Angels in Guildford:
Carol is 29 and has lived in Guildford for 6 years. She works at the University of Surrey running a peer Mentoring scheme for students living in University accommodation. Carol says "I am really excited about the Street Angels scheme! I can't put my finger on it, but something inside me just makes me really excited about spending time talking to people about anything and everything! Throughout my life people that have really had an impact on me have often been those who have taken the time to sit and listen to me. So many times when I really haven't been sure what to do or who to ask in certain situations, talking to friends and other people has really helped me see a situation more clearly. So if I can be a cog in the chain for someone else then that would be fantastic!"
Aly is 60 a retired nurse and deputy manager of a hostel for homeless people in Guildford. She now works supporting young adults with learning difficulties. Aly says: “I became a Street Angel because I enjoy meeting people from all walks of life. I feel very privileged to be part of a Christian team supporting vulnerable people and helping to make Guildford Town Centre a safer place to be at night.”
Tom is 25 and has lived in Guildford since he was 2 years old! He is an accountant. Tom says, “I heard about the impact that Street Angels has had in many cities across the UK and wanted to be part of it. I have been involved with supporting homeless people over a number of years while at college, and I have got a real passion for helping vulnerable people. I have already enjoyed the Street Angels training and teamwork and am excited to be part of this new initiative inspired by Guildford churches.
Caroline is 78 and a mother and grandmother. She moved to Guildford in late 2007 to be close to her daughter. Caroline says, “I have been a nurse, midwife, Samaritan and a GP’s wife for many years and so I felt Street Angels to be something I can do to help the community. I am used to speaking to young people of all ages and would love to be able to help them in any way I can. Initially I thought I might be too old to do this, but I realise from chatting to young people at night on my way home from the station that they are so friendly and love to chat to me. Perhaps it is because they feel someone a little older is not threatening and so they feel more comfortable chatting to me.”
Toby is 32 and a commercial airline pilot. Toby, a committed Christian like most other Street Angel volunteers, says: “I decided to volunteer for the Street Angels program because I believe the ethos behind it, the values it holds and the practical work it is trying to do embodies the very heart of Jesus message to this world. A group of diverse people with a common belief out on the streets to care and love those they don’t even know, to help those in need, to listen to those who need a friend, with no hidden agenda, not seeking reward or recognition is a group I want to be a part of, because those are the very things Jesus has done for me.”
Adrian has lived in Guildford for 4 years having moved from London to attend the College of Law. Now married and happily living in Shalford with his wife Caroline, Adrian volunteered to become a Street Angel to help put something back into the community. "I know what it's like at first hand to be out of your depth in a drinking environment.” Says Adrian. “Going out on the town is usually great fun but there is a darker side to things especially where alcohol is involved. I want to just be there to help those who might need help".
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