A Street Guardians initiative, where volunteers offer support and signposting, is now running in Slough.
Led by Slough Community Transport and Shop Mobility, with support from the council, the project has been running since mid-2024, with the creation of the first Street Guardian’s hub office.
Funding to set up the Slough Street Guardians project has come from the Safer Streets 5 initiative funding by the Office of Police Crime Commissioner. This funding is to tackle neighbourhood crime, violence against women and girls (VAWG) and anti-social behaviour (ASB).
The intention is to increase the reach of public guardians, who work to help vulnerable people to stay safe and reach home safely. They also de-escalate violence and provide an element of first aid, support and signposting.
Currently, there are a small number of friendly, approachable volunteers, who are out and about offering support in different areas of Langley and Slough.
Wearing ‘Here to help’ tabards, the Street Guardians will:
- provide a visible, reassuring presence for residents, visitors, and shopkeepers
- provide signposting to other organisations, where needed
- provide directions to landmarks, shops, council offices etc.
- be about for a friendly chat
- call for emergency services, when required
- direct people to the nearest Street Guardians’ hub office if they need additional help.
Street Guardians co-ordinator, Mark Clements, said: “Slough Community Transport and Shop Mobility was delighted to be asked to be involved with the new Street Guardians project. The volunteers are able to bring a friendly and approachable presence to parts of the local community and we hope this will help local people to feel reassured and confident that there are people they can turn to.
“We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and look forward to developing the project across Slough and Langley.”
Councillor Ishrat Shah, lead member for equalities, public health and public protection, said: “It is great to see the Street Guardians project in Slough. The volunteers do a great job and are there to offer support to those who need it. I would urge others to join the team if they are able, to support more people in different areas of Slough.”
Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, said: “I am pleased that the Safer Streets funding, secured through my office, will support a project dedicated to helping vulnerable people stay safe in Langley and Slough.
“This initiative is an important step in making our communities safer and ensuring that everyone, especially those at risk, can feel confident in getting home without fear.”
More volunteers are always welcome to join the project so it can have a wider reach.
If you want to find out more, or get involved, call 01753 691133 or email sctshub@outlook.com