18 years of full time Street Angeling!

This week marks 18 years since I went full time with Street Angels. Starting out managing and running the Halifax project and then helping other towns to replicate the model before, in 2012, moving onto a national / international role.

As with all journey's it has been a mix of blessings and challenges. At the end of the day I know that week in and week our amazing teams are out in town and city centres, or at summer festivals, helping and supporting people who are or could become vulnerable and contributing to safer and stronger communities. That makes the pain and challenges worth it.

Did I think I would still be involved 18 years down the road - honestly no!

Did I think the model and concept of Street Angels would still be growing 18 years on - honestly no!

Sometimes we set off on journey's not knowing where we are heading. I believe I am still not at the final destination and maybe the life, vision and work of Angels (street and festival variety) will become someone else's journey not mine.

As I, and our network, look forward to celebrating 20 years of Street Angels in a few months time I am thankful and humbled to have played a part in bringing change to our nation. Together (those who are or have been part of each team, those who give, those who pray, those who celebrate with us, those who keep in touch) we have created a movement that has impacted and changed the lives of millions of people and helped reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in town and city centres.

Running a non-profit organisation in itself is a challenge. I remember the months when I worked for a salary of £200 as the finances didn't exist and even now I am just about at the salary of the job I left 18 years ago! However, by the grace and goodness of God, and those who have invested into this incredible initiative, it always works out.

18 years full time for me and 20 years of Street Angels - here's to the next chapter of the journey!