Hereford-based charity Vennture has expanded its street presence through the addition of 10 student volunteers who completed their training and graduated last month.
It’s part of the charity’s innovative volunteering initiative that helps those in need on a night out.
The students are the first to work using Vennture’s mobile unit to provide on-street support to anyone who feels unsafe or who is affected by excess alcohol or drugs.
Since 2014, student volunteers have helped over 500 people on Friday and Saturday nights in Hereford. They offer supervised recovery and a medical triage which can identify health issues that may present as being under the influence or alcohol or drugs.
The Lean on Me initiative is one strand of Vennture’s day and night patrols. The overall aim is to reduce the demand on emergency services by providing early intervention. Last year (2024) the charity responded to 276 incidents, directly supported more than 1,200 people, and prevented 80 emergency service callouts.
Vennture’s lead officer Robert Thomas said: “All the student volunteers are from local schools and sixth form colleges and they volunteer for a number of reasons. For some it’s a way to do something for their community and for others it’s about learning a new skill. We also get students who are going onto to study nursing and medicine and want some hands-on experience.
The training involves seven Saturdays across ten weeks and includes passing Level 1, 2, and 3 accredited courses. Younger volunteers, aged 16-17 years old, are on duty up to 11pm and those aged 18 and over work into the early hours. They all work under the guidance of xxx
A graduation event was held at Hereford Sixth Form College on Thursday, 27 February. Attendees included the High Sheriff of Herefordshire Pat Churchward, the Mayor of Hereford, the Lord Lieutenant, Safer Neighbourhoods Sergeant Duncan Reynolds, trainer Donor Priestly, and Vice Principal Phil Tranter.
Sergeant Duncan Reynolds, Hereford City Centre Safer Neighbourhood Team West Mercia Police said: “It is always a privilege to see young people volunteer their free time to give something back to the local community. Through Vennture, and working alongside Police and other partner agencies, they’re helping to protect vulnerable people, whilst reducing the demand placed on our emergency services.”
Vennture is currently seeking adult volunteers to support student volunteers on the twilight and late shifts. Those interested in volunteering for this or applying for the student training programme, which will resume in September 2025, should contact: volunteering@vennture.org.uk.
