Welcome to the website for Paul Blakey MBE. Paul is the founder of Street Angels and, over the years, has become involved in a range of initiatives that seek to build up and support people and communities.
Paul was awarded the MBE by Her Majesty the Queen in 2010 for his services to community safety in Calderdale.
Here you can explore some of the work Paul is involved in.
Paul was awarded the MBE by Her Majesty the Queen in 2010 for his services to community safety in Calderdale.
Here you can explore some of the work Paul is involved in.
International / Motivational Speaker:
Paul Blakey MBE is an international speaker who has spoken to thousands of people at various events around the world including at the UK Houses of Parliament, Manchester Arena and on TV and radio.
As a keynote speaker Paul will use experiences as the founder of an international charity to motivate, challenge, entertain and inform.
Paul often speaks at groups such as WI, after dinner, luncheon clubs, ladies/mens events, conferences, business events and within church gatherings.
His most popular talk is around the setting up of Street Angels and its growth across the UK, Europe and into America as well as within club venues and at music festivals and sporting events. The talk includes stories, humour, audience interaction, the story of receiving a MBE (Member of the British Empire) including passing the medal round, opportunity for questions and fun! No group is too small or large!
Paul is based in Halifax and is happy to travel within 1.5 hours. The group will cover travel costs (at 45p a mile) and make a donation towards the work of ROC Angels. To book Paul - email [email protected] or 07725501465. See speaker page for Biog, images (and some old videos from the tele!)
Networking and Partnerships:
Paul has an extensive network of people and organisations with whom he has worked with and supported. He believes there is massive value in unity, networking, partnership, standing alongside each other and building one another up.
A freelance role will see Paul engage with different people and organisations towards community and people transformation. His wealth of experience, setting up and coordinating projects that work, gives him a unique edge and insight enabling him to look at things from a different perspective.
Get in touch - [email protected] - if Paul can work with you in any way.
See here for Paul's Blog page of random thoughts and inspiration!
Street and Festival Angels:
Paul is the founder of Street Angels and now CEO of ROC Angels, which oversees the work of initiatives including Street Angels and Festival Angels.
Paul has worked with communities across the UK and overseas to replicate a successful model within a local context. Street Angels has also developed initiatives such as SafeNightOut.party and an Alcohol and Safety educational resource that is used widely in schools and young people's groups.
More information can be found at streetangels.org.uk and festivalangels.org.uk .
Paul has written a book which tells the story of how Street Angels started in Halifax with contributions from several local projects - you can download for free here.
Also!
Paul is involved in several community and faith groups including:
King's Church Halifax where, as Development Manager, he helped pioneer and then coordinate Chilli Tuesday, a weekly free meal, games and chill out area for between 30 and 70 students of nearby Calderdale College. Paul has organised events and gigs and helped develop community links. Through King's he is a Warm Welcome Champion, through which he was invited to speak on Chilli Tuesday at an event in the Houses of Parliament.
Christians in Calderdale Schools where, as Chair of Trustees, he supports and encourages workers and volunteers to engage with young people in schools across Calderdale. The team offers mentoring, faith panels, lessons and assemblies. Paul often speaks in schools around Street and Festival Angels.
King's Award for Voluntary Services - Paul serves as an Assessor for this Honour (equivalent to a MBE for groups) which celebrates the outstanding work of volunteer groups across the UK.
#Do1NiceThing - Paul has developed this initiative that encourages people to do one nice thing each day that aims to love the person in front of you by serving others and the wider community through everyday simple acts of niceness!
NextGenLeaders / Enactus UK - Paul has supported young people and university students through mentoring, guidance, sitting on judging panels and support for young people engaged in designing solutions to community problems.
Get On Your Bike - an initiative that aims to engage and equip the church in Scotland, Wales and England around the Grand Depart of the Tour de France in 2027.
the5ps - encouraging us to pray and seek for the peace and prosperity of the places and people around you!
Utility Warehouse - Paul is a partner to offer people gas, electric, broadband and mobile deals. If you are interested in finding out more send a message!
In his spare time Paul enjoys the theatre, travel, walking, spending time with friends, taking photos / videos to share on social media, messing around with websites and social media and supporting people as we journey and navigate life! He is currently on year 2 of a challenge of visiting each month the seaside, National Trust and going to a theatre/gig (do the things in life that make your heart come alive!). He is also becoming a connoisseur of good ice cream!
Some Feedback:
"Your opening speech was truly rousing 🙏" Chair of a Faith Symposium
"Our Minister remarked that your talk was the best he had heard." Methodist Church Friendship Group
"Thank you so much for coming to speak to our Luncheon Club last week. To say that we enjoyed it would be an understatement; in fact several members said they could have listened to you all afternoon." Luncheon Club Leeds
"A huge big fat thank you for talking at the Probus. You don't realise how funny you are, in a good way! I thought you were amazing. WELL DONE!!!"
"I heard Paul speak with passion, humility and enthusiasm right at the start of the Street Angels idea in 2005. I was present when he spoke at a multi faith gathering in 2008. If you want to learn how to grow a mighty oak from small acorns listen to my friend and colleague, Paul Blakey MBE" Dave Apsee former Halifax Town Centre Team Sergeant West Yorkshire Police.
"We certainly enjoyed your talk and admire the work you do" Sue, Speaker Finder of a Ladies Luncheon Club
"Thank you for your very enjoyable and thought provoking talk" Attendee at Darlington Lecture Meeting
"Paul is a gifted leader with a passion to serve communities. He has successfully set up many community initiatives which are thriving." Debra Green OBE
"Paul is the man for the role he has taken on. With an internalised commitment to love the person in front of him, Paul has the connections, the drive and leadership skills to see change take place on our streets. I highly endorse Paul’s work" Tom Elliot
"I have known Paul for several years. He is a man who is prepared to put his faith into action through his compassion, drive, integrity and actions that put other people first. His life is an example of someone who communicates love and compassion not just on paper, public speaking, social media or other platforms, but also through his inspirational lifestyle" Nigel - volunteer Street Angel