A remarkable group of volunteers known as the Night Angels has earned the title of local heroes for their dedicated work protecting vulnerable women on the streets of Gloucestershire. Founded in December 2022 in Stroud, the charity’s mission is to support women and girls both during nights out and throughout the day.
Since its inception, the organization has rapidly grown to about 70 female volunteers across the county. They patrol the streets of Stroud and Gloucester every Friday and Saturday night, from 11 pm to 4 am. Beyond patrols, Night Angels provide “Safe Spaces” — designated venues in Stroud, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, and other towns where women who feel unsafe or threatened can seek refuge.
The group works closely with local police forces and businesses, ensuring all volunteers are DBS-checked and receive training in first aid and mental health. In response to a 177% rise in sexual harassment reports on Great Western Railway trains, Night Angels launched a partnership with the rail service to patrol trains as well. Similarly, they’ve collaborated with Stagecoach, extending protection to over 250 bus routes where passengers can quickly access safety.
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Last week, Night Angels hosted an open day in Stroud to showcase their work to Members of Parliament and police officials. Attendees included Stroud MP Dr. Simon Opher, Gloucestershire Police’s Special Constabulary Chief Inspector Steve Lindsay, and Alex Davies-Jones, MP for Pontypridd and Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Victims.
Chrissie Lowery, the founder and CEO of Night Angels, herself a domestic abuse survivor, explained the charity’s efforts. Armed with first aid kits, anti-spiking products, phone chargers, period supplies, water, and blankets, the Angels aim to provide practical help alongside emotional support. Chrissie described Safe Spaces as welcoming venues displaying a Safe Space sticker where women can “park up” and seek help if feeling vulnerable. Staff at these locations are trained to provide assistance, call police if needed, and offer a listening ear.
During the open day, visitors toured several Safe Spaces in Stroud, including the Curio Lounge and The Lord John Wetherspoon pub, where volunteers demonstrated anti-spiking measures using drink covers and stoppers. Dr. Opher praised the initiative, recognizing its vital role in protecting patrons in busy night venues.
Ryan Gingell, duty manager at The Lord John, highlighted how the Night Angels are an invaluable addition to their security efforts, helping calm situations late at night and supporting customers in distress.
As volunteers returned to their headquarters in the Old Library on Lansdown, local residents stopped them to offer heartfelt thanks — a testament to the deep impact they have had on the community.
Looking ahead, Chrissie hopes to expand both the Safe Space initiative and Night Angels nationwide, with an ultimate goal of opening a domestic violence refuge in Gloucestershire.
Dr. Opher reflected on the day, calling Night Angels “the real heroes” for their voluntary commitment to keeping women safe. Alex Davies-Jones plans to bring lessons learned in Stroud to her constituency in Pontypridd, emphasizing that collaboration across businesses, police, and volunteers is essential to combat the rising epidemic of violence against women and girls.
The Night Angels remain a shining example of community-driven action, proving that together, lasting change is possible.