A VOLUNTEER group that patrols the Boscombe area to help homeless people and those on a night out are celebrating their tenth year in operation.

Run by Churches Together in Bournemouth, Boscombe Angels are a volunteer support group that offer a caring, non-judgemental Christian presence within the local community.

The group help provide practical support to those that require it, from helping club-goers order a taxi after a night out to providing clothes to those sleeping on the streets.

Nic, one of the more experienced members of the group, said: “Although we are a faith-based group, we don’t go around preaching the bible and trying to get people to convert. We just want to help keep people safe.

“We operate in mixed groups of a minimum of three, with two talking and one observing and making sure they are safe, but no larger than five, as you can be classed as a gang and can be too intimidating for some people.”

Celebrating their ten year anniversary this year, the group was set up at the suggestion of Sergeant Guy Nicholas of Bournemouth police who has witnessed the operations of Weymouth Street Pastors, a similar Christian group.

Boscombe Angels are one of some 130 teams affiliated to Halifax based Christian Nightlife Initiative, the founding Christian street workers group. The Boscombe team now has between 14 and 16 active members of all ages, ranging from 32 to 80, and with different abilities.

They go out on patrol every Friday on or around the Boscombe Precinct and for six weeks during the summer months along the beach from Fisherman’s Walk to Boscombe Pier. Over the last two years, the Angels’ presence on the Precinct has helped anti-social behaviour go down by 28 per cent.

Tina Reidy, who is groups oldest member at 80 years old, said: “The most important thing is not talking to them, but listening to them.

“We encourage them to talk to us because, at the end of the day, the only ones who can solve their problems is them.”

Nic continues: “Each person in a team has their strengths and weaknesses. We have some people that are better at talking to people and others who maybe more practical and better at first aid

“Instead of testing people on their weaknesses, I think it is better use people’s strengths. For example, if you’re dealing with someone who is feeling particularly vulnerable or suicidal, you don’t want to put someone is maybe isn’t the best at communicating in that situation.

“You want to put your best communicator in that scenario to provide the best support we can.”

For more information, visit http://www.boscombeangels.co.uk/