Street Angel of the Month

Each month we highlight one of our Angel’s in our Angel of the Month feature. All of our team are volunteers and without their valuable and unique contributions we wouldn’t be able to continue our work.

 

 

Name: Andy Packer

Age: 54              Marital Status: Married

Children Yes: 2 girls                         Ages: 27 & 24

Interests: Rugby (Exeter Chiefs – I’m from Devon), Cricket, Walking, Photography

 

 

How did you hear about Street Angels?:

Through the churches in Slough

How long have you been a volunteer?

My first night out as a Street Angel was in Slough on 7th December 2012. I joined Windsor Street Angels when Slough Street Angels closed.

What do you enjoy most about the role?

What I enjoy most about Street Angels is meeting people, including both other ‘Angels’ and the people we meet on the streets. Also the knowledge that we can look back at the end of a ‘shift’ and genuinely know we have help someone is very rewarding.

Are there any challenges you face doing the role?

Getting up the next next morning when you have only got to bed at 5.30 AM !

How would Windsor Town Centre be without The Street Angels?

Like Windsor many towns have benefitted from having Street Angels assisting the night-time economy. The pressure Street Angels take off the police, Ambulance service and A&E cannot be underestimated. We do really make a difference.

What is your most memorable moment with The Street Angels?

Over the last 4+ years many things stick in my mind, both serious and humorous: from protecting a young lady who was being ‘stalked’ by 4 young men, to watching a young man’s hand move from his girlfriends bottom to her shoulder in nano-seconds when he noticed my colleagues clerical collar !

What advice would you give someone who is thinking of becoming a Street Angel?

Give it a go! If you’re able to walk and stand around for long periods, enjoy meeting and talking with people and having a good laugh with an amazing group of volunteers, my advice is this: Get in contact, come out with us on an ‘observation’ and give it a try! (It really is something special).

 

Learn more about our previous Angels’ of the month