Since 2021, we have been providing a safeguarding and welfare service.

Volunteering in Northampton Town Centre every Friday and Saturday night, our team is dedicated to supporting the safety and wellbeing of those enjoying the night-time economy. We operate in close partnership with the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (OPFCC), Northamptonshire Police, East Midlands Ambulance Service, Northampton Street Pastors, and a wide range of local venues. Together, we share one unified objective: to create a safer, more supportive environment for all women and men who visit the town during busy weekend nights.

Our volunteers provide a visible, approachable presence on the streets, offering assistance, reassurance, and practical support to anyone who may be vulnerable, distressed, or in need of guidance. Whether it’s helping individuals get home safely, offering welfare support, or working alongside emergency services during busy periods, our aim is always to safeguard the public and contribute positively to the overall nightlife experience.

The tragic events of 2016, which led to the loss of India Chipchase, remain a powerful reminder of the importance of community vigilance and preventative action. Her story continues to inspire our commitment to making Northampton a place where everyone can feel safe. We strive to ensure that such a tragedy never occurs again in our town. Through proactive engagement, education, and close collaboration with our partners, we work to raise awareness of personal safety, promote responsible behaviour, and empower individuals to look after themselves and others.

We are absolutely delighted to announce that Northampton Guardians has been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2025, the highest recognition given to volunteer-led groups across the UK and often regarded as the MBE for voluntary organisations. Receiving this honour is an incredible milestone in our journey, and we are deeply proud to see the dedication of our volunteers recognised at a national level.

This award is a reflection of the passion, commitment, and generosity shown by every single person who has been part of our community.

To all our volunteers, past and present, thank you. Your time, energy, compassion, and resilience are the driving forces behind everything we do. We also extend heartfelt thanks to our supporters, followers, partners, and everyone who has believed in our mission. Your encouragement and involvement have helped us grow, develop, and support more people than ever before.

Since December 2021, our volunteers have contributed over 15,000 hours of their time, an extraordinary achievement that highlights the strength of our community and the belief in the work we do. During this time, we have had the privilege of supporting more than 2,600 people, each with their own story, needs, and challenges. Every hour volunteered and every person supported represents kindness in action, and it is this collective impact that has earned us such prestigious recognition.

Receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service is not only an honour but also a motivation for the future. It inspires us to continue expanding our reach, deepening our support, and strengthening the positive impact we have within our community. This accolade belongs to all of us, and we couldn’t be more grateful or more proud.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we have achieved something truly remarkable.

NEWS UPDATE

Some facts from 2024.

  • 4,333 Hours where volunteered last year by our team!

  • In 2024 we supported 310 females

  • In 2024, we helped 307 men!

  • Since we started in December 2021 we have supported over 2500 vulnerable people!

We were recently featured on BBC Look East to talk about our recognition with the King’s Award.

Watch the interview here.

Follow our journey.