Arun Angels

Peaceworks, along with churches in Bognor Regis, has set up a street angels project called Arun Angels.

What is Arun Angels?
Every Saturday night, teams of volunteers recruited from local churches patrol the pub, club and entertainment areas providing a listening service, practical support and help to those who are or have become vulnerable in the late night environment.  The project forms a safety-net service to people who become vulnerable while enjoying a night out due to alcohol, attack, drug use or any other issue that has caused distress or the potential for physical harm. The Arun Angel volunteers offer advice, support and a reassuring presence on the streets. The aim is to provide practical support and a reassuring presence in an unconditional and non-judgmental way based on the biblical example of the Good Samaritan. The project is based on similar Street Angel and Street Pastor schemes that operate in towns and city centres throughout the UK. Some significant reductions in violent crime, disorderly behaviour and the fear of crime have been achieved in areas where such schemes operate.  We hope that from the foundation of measurable success in Bognor Regis, Arun Angels will become established in other locations within the Arun district as well as extending coverage in Bognor Regis. 

Who are Arun Angels?
Arun Angels are volunteers recruited from the local churches in Bognor Regis and surrounding area, using a rigorous recruitment process to ensure that they are committed to the local area, they are able to demonstrate a commitment to the core Christian values of the scheme, and they understand that there will be no opportunity to prosthletise. The volunteers are aged 18 or over, and undergo a comprehensive training programme that includes; personal safety, mediation, safeguarding, and drug and alcohol awareness. Teams of volunteers, working in co-operation with police, door staff and other agencies, patrol the streets between 9pm and 3am on Saturday nights.

For more information about the Arun Angels project, please contact Derek Baker, Project Coordinator: arunangelsbognor@gmail.com 
Or visit arunangelsbognor@gmail.com