Cash boost for NightLight project 

A  project which helps to keep late night revellers in Carmarthen safe has received a £1,000 cash boost towards running costs.

Carmarthen NightLight, which sees church volunteers out on the streets on Saturday nights, has received the grant funding from the Community Safety Partnership.

As well as carrying water, first aid and flip-flops for women struggling in high heels, the volunteers pick up bottles and glasses off the streets, which can get broken and create a hazard for girls in bare feet.

The project was launched in January 2011 by the Carmarthen branch of CYTUN (Churches Together in Wales) and currently has 23 volunteers from nine churches and chapels of different denominations.

Six volunteers – three on the streets and three back at the base – work every Saturday night from 11pm to 3am. The street volunteers are in mobile phone contact with the base team as well as in radio contact with the police.

During the first year approximately 250 pairs of flip-flops and 150 bottles of water have been handed out and the volunteers have clocked up a total of 1,248 hours.

NightLight co-ordinator the Rev Coralie Steel said: “After a year on the streets, the volunteers are now recognised and welcomed by those they meet and frequently greeted with hugs of appreciation. They haven’t felt threatened or intimidated; on the contrary, people are keen to tell them how much they respect them for what they’re doing.”

The project was set up after an approach by the Community Safety Partnership which had heard about similar schemes operating throughout the UK. The partnership initially contributed £1,500 towards equipment and has provided a further grant to help towards ongoing costs. The project has also received grants from the St David’s Diocese Venturing in Mission Fund and the St Teilo’s Trust as well as donations from local churches and individuals.

Community Safety Manager Kate Thomas said: “The NightLight scheme is an excellent initiative and the Community Safety Partnership is more than happy to support it. The volunteers are doing a fantastic job by providing a much-needed presence in the town centre and helping people on a night out.

“The council and the police, together with a number of other organisations, are working hard to combat late-night anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related crime in our town centres to make sure that everyone in Carmarthenshire has a safe and enjoyable night out.”

Carmarthen NightLight is appealing for more volunteers from local churches and chapels, particularly Welsh speakers.

For further information please visit the website at carmarthennightlight.org.uk