Month: April 2012

Street Angels project takes big step forward

Plans to set up a Street Angels project in Belper have taken several steps forward over the past fortnight following a successful open meeting to discuss the idea.

More than 30 members of the public attended the meeting at the Queen’s Head pub on Chesterfield Road, including representatives of Belper Town Council, Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire police.

A management committee to oversee the project has also now been formed and we are close to reaching our initial target of 16 volunteers.

All being well, it is envisaged that the first group of Angels will be taking to the streets in early June, with a public launch planned for later that month.

For those who are new to the idea, Street Angels is a network of local organisations across the country whose common purpose is to make a difference by helping to improve our night-time culture.

Working alongside the police, they are trained to be a visible presence amongst the nightlife that congregates on the streets and estates of any town on a weekend evening

The idea is that teams of two or three would walk agreed areas in Belper’s estates and town centre between 8pm and 12pm every Friday night, with a focus on the needs of young people in particular.

We hope they will become an increasing presence at some of the town’s events and throughout the year, particularly as evenings become busier over the course of the summer with the many attractions Belper offers.

Further information about the project can be found on this powerpoint presentation which was given to Belper churches during March.

There has also been coverage of the project on local website Belper People, while project co-ordinator the Rev Rachel Marszalek will be writing about it in the June edition of local magazine All Things Local.

Anyone over the age of 18 who has a heart for their community can become a Street Angel, and training in areas such as first aid, safeguarding and drug and alcohol awareness will be provided.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Luke Norman on belperstreetangelsvolunteers@rocketmail.com

Because God so loved the world…

For the fifth year in a row, a team of volunteers from Hope for Belper handed out more than 100 Easter eggs in Belper Town Centre to accompany the Good Friday walk of witness by Churches Together in Belper.

We don’t necessarily repeat projects year after year for the sake of it but this one has always gone down well with people in the town and this year was no exception, although it helped that the rain held off until the end!

Some people always seem genuinely surprised to be given ‘something  for nothing’ and ask us how much they owe us.  My hope is that by this simple act of kindness we are giving a very small glimpse of what God’s grace is like, and that Jesus has already paid the price.

Thanks to all who took part (and to Sainsbury’s for selling us a job lot of eggs after Costco ran out!)