Arun Angels

In April we heard from Derek Baker, the co-ordinator of the successful Arun Angels scheme in Bognor Regis.

Angels have been seen on the streets of Bognor Regis! Yes, it’s true. Teams of volunteer Street Angels have been patrolling the town centre area every Saturday night since December 2009. The aim is to look out for people who are vulnerable or in need of support. In most cases these are people who have been enjoying the nightlife maybe a little too much or have been affected by conflict or distress.

The Arun Angels initiative came from an idea from the Safer Arun Partnership based on many similar schemes elsewhere in the UK. It is a partnership between the police, Arun District Council, local Christians, businesses and the community.

On December 5th 2009, 26 volunteers completed their training and were “commissioned” to begin their work on the streets. Since then, teams of 7 or 8 volunteers have been out every Saturday (except the one when the town centre was snow and ice bound).

Peter Bratton of the Safer Arun Partnership has braved the cold and joined the patrol as an observer. Afterwards, he commented on the “genuine friendship that was displayed towards one another by the team - all in the context of a truly caring and very thoughtful ethos.” Peter said he was also “struck by the positive attitudes displayed by young people towards members of the team”.

Although teams have responded to a number of challenging incidents, the overwhelming response from the public has been welcoming, appreciative and positive – it is not unusual to hear someone shout across the road: “We love you, Arun Angels!”. Several people have already come back in later weeks to say thank you for helping them.

The volunteers are excited about the difference Arun Angels is making.

One of our volunteers, Joy, said:

“It is an absolute honour to be known as an Arun Angel and walk the streets of Bognor Town in the middle of the night, wearing the uniform and being ‘available’ to help, assist, observe and advise when necessary, the people who are out at night.”
Fellow Angel colleague Emma added: “I love the feeling of butterflies in my stomach on the night I go out, the feeling of expectation and the joy of knowing I can make a difference in someone’s life. I do not enjoy the cold and can't wait for spring!”