Cookstown Street Angels

A night out with Cookstown Street Angels 

Alan Hogshaw, Cookstown Chamber of Commerce President and owner of MYCookstown.com finds out what Cookstown Street Angels do.

On Friday night I had the pleasure of joining Cookstown Street Angels for a night in the town when the teenage disco took place.

These are some of things I learned.

So what happens on the streets?

500 hundred plus kids arrive from Armagh, Dungannon, Fermanagh and Omagh most have a great night but as usual there are a few exceptions.  They arrive in buses from 8.00pm and head home around 12.30pm. 

What do these Street Angels do?

12 volunteers turned up to help the Street Angels manage the night.  They gave up their night just to show they care.  Their job is to look after the kids in town and make sure they are safe and get home safely.  WOW - It was a humbling experience.

I asked some of the Street Angels why they did this.  Here’s some of the answers

 “ To give something back”

 “ I would like to think if it was my child someone would do similar”

 “ They are only kids we have all been there”

So what happens when a kid is struggling in town?

I witnessed the Cookstown Street Angels do many things, here are just a few.

1              Providing first aid to cuts.  

2              Lifting empty bottles up off the street to prevent trouble.

3              Helping kids who were sick.  They stayed with them, encouraged them when in distress, wrapped them up in foil  blankets for warmth and made sure they got home.  Some were then brought to the gathering where they received free soup, tea and coffee. What a fantastic free service and very caring people.

4              Giving out Free Flip Flops to girls walking on their bare feet.  ( Some class shoes on show)

5              Watching out for potential trouble or vulnerable kids

So what did I learn from the night?

Firstly they don’t judge anyone they are simply there to help. 

Their logo reads “Cookstown Street Angels - There because we care”    These Street Angels are simply amazing.

To get involved with Cookstown Street angles contact the following number  -  02886761020