Village Angels
The Village Angels are a team of volunteers from LGBT Foundation, easily recognisable through their pink ‘high-vis’ vests, late at night and early into the mornings at weekends and other big events throughout the year, who have already donated almost 2,000 hours of their time to help people.
What do The Angels do?
Listen to you!
We’re a friendly and non-judgemental ear for anyone that needs it.
We’ve talked to people about everything from experiences of getting homophobically bullied in the workplace to accounts of domestic abuse and so many other subjects. The Angels represent LGBT Foundation and are able to take the services and information that our charity offers out onto the streets. We’ll talk to anyone about (almost) anything!
“Talked to a vulnerable man in doorway near Village Off License. He was distressed and upset because his mother had died earlier that day.” Angels Report
Report!
The Village Angels are linked into the Nite Net radio system which means we can communicate to venue door-staff in the area as well as CCTV control.
The Angels are not the Police and we are not there as crime enforcers, but if we see anything that we think is going to harm someone we have the power to report it and get help quickly. This is just another tool for us to keep everyone who is in The Village as safe as possible!
We also encourage individuals to report crimes, with a specific focus on hate crimes.
If you have been a victim of homophobia, transphobia or biphobia whilst accessing The Village this is not ok, and needs to be reported. The Village Angels can and will help you to do this.
“Heard at least ten incidents of transphobic comments directed at Sparkle weekend attendees through the night. We challenged them in the moment where we could, and supported people who felt victimised to report the incidents.”Angels Report
Support when things don't go to plan!
We’ve dealt with a lot of incidents involving intoxicated people. We never judge, and will always seek to help you out if you’ve had one too many or got yourself into a bad situation on a night out.
The Angels regularly help people who have lost their phone / wallet / friends to get home safely. We are there to help vulnerable people, and will help you if you need it!
“Called via the radio to Velvet. Drunken young male needed some support. After we had been there a couple of minutes he collapsed and had a slight fit. He began to hallucinate, erratic breathing and punching his head. Followed instructions from Paramedics they arrived after 5 mins.” Angels Report
Tell you where to go!
We give out directions to Village newcomers and regulars alike.
Every weekend we get people to cash machines, taxi ranks, public transport links and give people advice on which venues might suit them to help people’s nights go smoothly!
“Two drunken males were lost. After a long discussion we managed to find out where they were staying and directed accordingly.” Angels Report
“Lone female who was new to Manchester, and was unsure which hotel she was staying at. We managed to contact her friends via her mobile then we waited with her until they arrived.” Angels Report
The odd medical emergency!
Angels are often First Aiders and this has helped a lot of people in their time of need.
Scrapes, bruises, twisted ankles, head injuries, seizures – The Angels have been there through it all.
We are not paramedics and can only offer basic first aid whilst the Ambulance Service are on their way. The Angels will always stay nearby whilst the experts are at work, dealing with crowds and making sure both paramedic and patient are as safe as possible.
“Encountered a male who had been mugged and attacked on Richmond Street, he was shocked, bruised and had been beaten across the head with a weapon causing him to bleed quite heavily, suffer concussion, vomit and he was complaining of going light headed. He also had a big open wound on his face. We called police and ambulance, applied basic first aid and with the assistance on the operator reassured the patient etc.” Angels Report
The Village Angels also work closely with Greater Manchester Police and CityCo, as well as security companies, venue owners and other key partners in order to ensure that people have the best time they can in Manchester’s Gay Village.
Kindly made possible by the Office of the Greater Manchester Police & Crime Commisioner.
Email angels@lgbt.foundation if you have any questions about this initiative.