About Us

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Cheltenham Guardians Safeguarding Team

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Established in 2015, the Cheltenham Guardians Safeguarding Team (CGST) is an award-winning, female-led safeguarding service dedicated to protecting women and girls in Cheltenham's night-time economy. We are currently applying to become a registered charity with the UK Charity Commission to enhance our mission of preventing harm, promoting community safety and advancing the well-being of vulnerable individuals. As the UK's longest-standing specialist female safeguarding provider for the evening and night-time economy (ENTE), we operate every Saturday night and Sunday morning from 10pm to 4am, delivering proactive and emergency support in partnership with local stakeholders, including Cheltenham Borough Council and Gloucestershire Constabulary.

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Our Charitable Mission

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Our mission is to create a safer night-time environment in Cheltenham by:

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• Preventing harm to women and girls through proactive intervention.

• Promoting community safety and public health by reducing risks in the night-time economy.

• Supporting vulnerable individuals with compassionate, accessible services.

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These purposes deliver public benefit by safeguarding women, easing pressure on emergency services, the NHS, and the criminal justice system, and fostering a safer, more inclusive Cheltenham for all residents and visitors.

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Our Flagship Initiatives

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At the core of our work are two innovative programs:

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• India Protocol: Inspired by the tragic loss of India Chipchase, this proactive strategy identifies and assists women at risk before harm occurs. Our female, uniformed Guardian safeguarding officers patrol Cheltenham's streets, offering immediate support - whether arranging safe transport, providing emotional care, intervening in incidents or coordinating with emergency services.

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• Nightcare Hub: Located at 1 Royal Crescent, Cheltenham, GL50 3DA, our Hub is a safe haven open during operational hours, where women can seek refuge, rest, and receive practical assistance, such as phone charging, water, or referrals to support services.

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Our Impact

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Since 2015, CGST has safeguarded thousands of women and girls, saving over £1.8 million and countless operational hours for public services. We have supported thousands of women through patrols and the Nightcare Hub, reducing risks and promoting safety. Our compassionate, female-led team of trained volunteers, all subject to DBS checks and mandatory safeguarding training, works tirelessly to make Cheltenham’s night-time economy safer for everyone.

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Our Governance

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CGST is governed by a dedicated management executive who oversee our operations and ensure compliance with legal and safeguarding standards. Our policies, including Safeguarding, Whistleblowing, Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest, are publicly available on our Transparency Page to demonstrate our commitment to transparency and accountability. We receive limited funding through donations and sponsorship.

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Join Us in Making a Difference

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Whether you're a woman seeking support, a volunteer eager to contribute, or a supporter wanting to fund our cause, CGST is here to ensure every journey home is safe. Contact us at 01242 350 330 or email contact@cheltenhamguardians.org.

 

​Together, we're building a safer Cheltenham - one step at a time.