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Safeguarding group want body cams after 'abuse'

James GrantBBC News, Northamptonshire
News imageNorthampton Guardians Seven volunteers from Northampton Guardians in their red uniforms standing outside All Saints Church with the Knife Angel, made up of thousands of knives, in the background.Northampton Guardians
Northampton Guardians has been helping vulnerable people in Northampton town centre over the last year

A charity that helps people get home after nights out is fundraising for body-worn cameras following an increase in "assaults and aggression" towards its volunteers.

The Northampton Guardians set a target of £2,500 which it has nearly met, through contributions from the community.

The group was established following the murder of India Chipchase, 20, in 2016.

In a statement on social media, a spokesperson for the group said the cameras would "provide an extra layer of protection [for volunteers] and serve as a deterrent to potential offenders".

News imageA woman with blonde hair in a black polo with angel wings on it stands by a white van with SNO or "Safer Nights Out" written on its side in a yellow font on a pink background.
Gill Goodship said body-worn cameras would make the volunteers feel safer

Since its inception in 2022, the Northampton Guardians have been patrolling the town at the weekend, supported by the Safer Nights Out (SNO) initiative.

Gill Goodship, a trustee of the group, said abuse towards the group has been a persistent challenge "in the last few months," with some members of the public dismissing their efforts as "a waste of money helping drunk people".

Ms Goodship, 62, added: "Recently, I've been grabbed around the neck, punched in the face, and elbowed in the face.

"We're not security staff, we’re not there to be seen as the police, but unfortunately...we need body cams for our safety."

The group have since volunteered more than 5,000 hours and helped more than 1,000 people in Northampton.

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