Mayor’s tribute to the ‘Street Angels’

This May it will be eight years since Hartlepool Town Pastors – popularly known as the ‘Street Angels’ – was launched as a befriending service to help make Hartlepool’s night-time economy a safer and more enjoyable experience.

Four volunteers with the project from those earliest days have stepped down, or are in the process of stepping down, from frontline duties and the Mayor paid tribute to them at a special presentation at the Civic Centre.

Their experience and training has enabled them to provide help and support to revellers out and about in the town at night, ranging from conversation and counselling to providing first aid and water, summoning the help of the emergency services and even getting stranded people home safely at night.  

Those receiving the tribute were Karen Milner, Andrew ‘Drew’ Mills and Lisa Barwick – all of whom will still continue in support roles with the project.

The Mayor makes the presentations to (from left) Karen Milner, Drew Mills and Lisa Barwick

Although he was unable to attend the event, also honoured was Steve Brock, who helped launch the Hartlepool project in 2011 and has recently also stepped down from project-managing the Stockton Town Pastors and from chairing the national organisation Christian Nightlife Initiatives.

On behalf of Hartlepool Town Pastors, the Mayor presented each of them with framed certificates and photograph albums recording their service, as well as personally presenting them with a civic tie or civic brooch.

Councillor Barclay said: “I am well aware – not least through my time on the Council’s Licensing Committee – of the very valuable public service provided by Hartlepool Town Pastors to the people of Hartlepool and the excellent support they give to the Police and to our Licensing Team.

“Their dedication and commitment is second to none and it’s a great pleasure for me to present these awards to Karen, Andrew, Lisa and Steve.”  

Summing up the feelings of all involved, Drew Mills said: “The people we meet on the street thank us and tell us we’re doing a good job, which means such a lot, but it’s also very nice to receive official recognition like this.

“We’ve made many friends over the years and it has been a really enjoyable and rewarding experience. To know that we have made a difference is something very special.”

Hartlepool Town Pastors are always looking to recruit new volunteers – for details please contact Terry Hegarty, the Chair of Trustees, on 01429 861347 or email terry.hegarty@hotmail.com