VOLUNTEERS who patrol Northallerton town centre on a Saturday night to help anyone who needs it are calling for more members.

Northallerton Street Angels will soon be back patrolling the streets of Northallerton following the break forced by the Covid pandemic.

But, before patrolling can return, organisers are looking for more volunteers this summer to join the community-focused project.

Street Angels work in groups and walk areas of the town to offer reassurance and help anyone who might need some support on a Saturday night.

Angels do not need to be members of any church but must be available to offer one Saturday night a month to patrol between 10pm and 4am.

Full, specialist, training is given and ongoing support available.

Steve Cowie, Pastor at New Life Baptist Church said; "Northallerton Street Angels became a foundation of a Saturday night out in town prior to the pandemic.

"Sadly, as with so many things that this awful disease changed, the need for patrolling diminished with lockdowns and restrictions imposed.

"However, life is returning to some form of normality and we are eager to build our Street Angels back to where they were - supporting everyone enjoying the night-time economy in town.

"We want to offer the opportunity everyone in the town and beyond to volunteer. "So, this summer, as we regain our freedoms, let’s reflect on what has become so important over the last 18-months or so – keeping each other safe in any way we can.

"Street Angels do just that so if you think you could give one evening a month to help those who might need it; please volunteer to become an Angel for the town."

Sergeant Chris Hughes of the Northallerton Policing Team added: "Northallerton is a safe town.

"Sometimes, however, we have individuals who need comfort, help and support during their night out - as well as a pair of flip flops!

"We know that when Street Angels patrolled previously, we saw a 40 per cent reduction in violent crime on a Saturday night.

"This was a fantastic achievement - we want to see this happen again and Street Angels are key to making it happen.

“This is an exciting opportunity to join the team, and I would encourage anyone who wants to help keep Northallerton safe to apply.

"Working closely with the police and other agencies, with direct contact into the Hambleton District Council’s CCTV team, Street Angels are there to offer reassurance; they are not there to enforce or intervene in situations.”

The scheme is supported by the Crime Commissioner, the New Life Baptist Church, police, the Northallerton BID and the Safer Hambleton Hub.

Visit northallertonstreetangels.co.uk for application details.

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