NightLight project a hit in Carmarthen

Volunteers from eight different churches have taken to the streets of Carmarthen to help Saturday night revellers stay safe.
They hand out flip-flops to women struggling in high heels and water and lollipops to those who have drunk too much. They also carry a first aid kit and are in constant radio contact with police.
The Carmarthen NightLight project was launched in January and is being run by the Carmarthen branch of CYTUN (Churches Together in Wales). It includes 22 volunteers from eight churches of different denominations. Six volunteers - three on the streets and three back at the base - work every Saturday night from 11pm to 3am.
NightLight co-ordinator the Rev Coralie Steel said: “The volunteers come from local churches and chapels and they carry flip-flops for girls who can no longer wear their shoes, as well as a first aid kit, water and lollipops. They pick up bottles and glasses, which can get broken and create a hazard for girls in bare feet, and they are in mobile phone contact with a team which remains in the NightLight base as well as in radio contact with the police.
“So far it has been very positive. The volunteers haven’t felt threatened or intimidated; on the contrary, people frequently stop to shake their hands and tell them how much they respect them for what they’re doing.”
The project was set up after an approach by the Carmarthenshire Community Safety Partnership which had heard about similar schemes operating throughout the UK. The partnership, which includes the council and the police, contributed £1,500 towards equipment. The project has also received a grant from the St David’s Diocese Venturing in Mission Fund as well as donations from local churches.
The council’s executive board member for community safety Councillor Pam Palmer said: “This really is an excellent initiative. The volunteers are doing a fantastic job by providing a much-needed presence in the town centre and helping people on a night out; listening to them and assisting with any support that is needed. The Community Safety Partnership is working hard to combat late-night anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related crime in our town centres and wants to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable night out.”
The Rev Steel is appealing for anyone interested in volunteering to please get in touch. She said: “With 22 volunteers, no-one needs to go out more than once a month, but NightLight would welcome more volunteers from churches and chapels, particularly Welsh speakers. So far, the volunteers have found it to be a very positive and rewarding experience. They hope that their presence on the streets will in the long-term make a difference to the late-night atmosphere in Carmarthen as well as helping non-church-goers to understand a little about what being a Christian means.”
For further information contact the Rev Steel on 01267 236369.

Some of the NightLight volunteers pictured with the Rev Coralie Steel and Councillor Pam Palmer. Picture: Jeff Connell

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