Gerald Joins the Boscombe Angels for an evening.
The Boscombe Angels are a group of Christians from “Churches Together’ in Boscombe who have got together to offer care and support to vulnerable people in the area at night.
They were asked to start the scheme a year ago by Police sergeant Guy Nicholas after he made a trip to Weymouth to investigate a similar group there.
He said: “I was a bit sceptical at first. Now I think it is fantastic. Hopefully in the future Boscombe Angels will be a focal part of the community.”
A group of 8 met at 8pm on Friday evening (17/12/10) at the Boscombe regeneration office in Roumelia lane. They were accompanied by Police sergeant Nicholas who gave a short talk before they set of into the night.
He told them the good news of some funding (£1500) that has now become available from the council. Until now they have been self financing buying things like their yellow fluorescent jackets and items for helping potential clients.
These include space blankets for those suffering from the cold, first aid kits, water for some who are dehydrated, flip flops for girls they had found walking without shoes, and also lollipops which they say helps when blood sugar levels are down.
It was basically a friendly informal chat where they were informed that they were now being left to their own devices and the police were stepping back. It was also mentioned that they had a target of 30 volunteers.
Kate Harris, one of the organisers said about some of the people that they work with: “They find themselves in vulnerable situations, unable to get home and we help them to phone their parents. That kind of thing.”
At the moment they go out once a month at the weekends in groups of three. They have covered the Boscombe sea front but on Friday they patrolled the Boscombe central areas.
At nine o’clock after a short prayer giving thanks for being able to serve the community three of them Sue, Denis, and Alison set of in sub zero temperatures to do their work.
Out in the street Sue said: “It could be anything really. Perhaps somebody might have lost their phone or it may be that they’ve got split up from their friends. “
She added “Or they are lost and they can’t get home. Anything can be vulnerable to a teenager.”
Their first stop was with the doormen outside the O2. They were welcomed by them and told what they were expecting that night.
Toward Christchurch road they were not fazed by a rowdy youth approaching .They then stopped and chatted to two Asian youths outside an off licence who were drinking beer. It was all very y friendly.
Further up the road some concern was raised by two young girls sitting outside Franko’s cafe on their own .There appeared to be some kind of party inside and they were reassured by relatives that the children were Ok. The incident was noted for the others to be vigilant.
Outside a pub a drunken man confronted them with complaints about the Boscombe surf reef costing too much. He was reassured that it was nothing to do with them. After a bit of banter they were on their way again.
Denis said it was all about getting to know people and there was no preaching involved. He said: “Most of them are OK. Once they see that you are not the police they are alright. You have to watch for the aggressive signs. Don’t let them get into your space.”
As the first hour went on they stopped and talked to a number of people who were all happy to chat with them. They walked back down the Christchurch road up Palmerstone road then down Borthwick road.
All was quiet except for some shouting in Churchill Gardens which they decided to report to the others.
As they walked back to the office they were met by the police who wished them well after asking if they had any problems. There were more doormen willing to stand and chat about the evening’s problems.
Back at the office they exchanged notes and made a log of the hour’s events. After 10pm a local councillor arrived and talked about the summer being busy, and the Boscombe Angels replacing the Beach Wardens in the daytime.
When asked what he thought of them he said: “Fantastic, I am really supportive of the work they are doing.”
The others talked about two drunken men they had met. They thought that the two homeless men had been trying to start an argument.
They also spoke of problems in the past such as young girls being lured into taxis by predatory men, fights, and bottles being smashed on the ground where young women were walking barefoot. All their talk centred on how to deal with situations effectively in a caring way.
After tea, cake and more prayers Sue, Denis, and Alison were off again. Alison spoke of her work and was not the slightest bit deterred of any aggression. “We are not here to add to problems just to help” She said. She added that because of her faith she felt quite confident.
All of them have received first aid training and conflict management training.
“After investigating the church grounds of St Clements they met a young street walker. Sue approached her and the girl was very glad of the concern. After a brief talk she said she was safe.
Back on the Christchurch road and at the Cellar Bar a doorman enquired if they had ‘had much business tonight’. Then they were approached by the police and they told them everything was going fine.
Sue was asked why they do such work with all its potential problems. She said: “I think the basic reason is that we are called to do it.”
She explained that it was part of her faith to go out into the community rather than wait for people to come to her. She was adamant that they do not talk about their beliefs unless people enquired.
When asked if she minded the freezing temperatures she said: “Absolutely not. I don’t mind at all.”
Of the work she said: “I love it. I think it is great.” |
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