'We help keep people safe in city's Gay Village'

On a busy night in Manchester's Gay Village, the LGBT Foundation's Village Angels are celebrating their 15th birthday by doing what they normally do, helping to keep visitors safe.

The group, who are made up of mostly volunteers, are instantly recognisable by their bright pink high-vis vests.

"The Angels are a massive support, especially on a night out and if you've had too much to drink, because they're just here for you," said the drag artist known as Miss Toxic.

"Even if you've had a little bit of an accident, if you've had a little bit of a fall, a little bit of a trip, at least they're here for you."

The Village Angels are out every Friday and Saturday night until 03:00 around Canal Street and the surrounding area.

The volunteers have various training, including first aid and water safety due to the close proximity to Rochdale Canal.

They are on hand to support those in need and even have the knowledge to act as Gay Village tour guides if someone is lost.

This is appreciated by the door staff who work in the area.

"When we get a vulnerable person that needs some assistance, we always pass them over to the Village Angels because it's easier for them to look after them at night," said Chris Smith, who is in charge of security at many of the venues in the Gay Village.

"It takes the emphasis off the door staff as well."

The group is funded by Greater Manchester Combined Authority, in a bid to help alleviate the pressures on emergency services.

"For every pound that's spent on us, we are saving services like the police and the ambulance service money," said Gareth Watson, who is the community safety manager.

"We're able to free up police to deal with the more serious incidents."

Joe Nellist, who is the shift lead at Village Angels, said the group often encountered difficult situations but were on hand to help make a difference.

"I can remember people who have sadly overdosed on substances that we've supported along the street here," Nellist said.

"I can remember an 87-year-old woman was out with her granddaughter on a hen do and unfortunately tripped over on the road and broke her hip so the angels were there to support her until the ambulance arrived.

"Even a sadder, intervening on people who are experiencing a severe mental health crisis.

"Sadly those are just a couple of different things that an angel could experience."

Kay Walker, who has been a Village Angel for 16 months, was inspired to join after seeing the work of the group first hand.

"I dropped them an email and here I am," Walker said.

"We see some particularly not nice things. We also have some great moments as well."

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