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Halifax Town Centre Ambassadors

The scheme, run by Halifax Town Centre Management, gives employment opportunities and increases skills, enhancing the career prospects of those who work as Ambassadors.

Ambassadors are mediators for the general public, tourists and visitors and all other groups and organisations who come into Halifax town centre and experience the town in part or its entirety.  They are diplomats in their approach to dealing with issues and conflicts arising, using skills and tact in dealing with all town centre users.

In the last year, six members of the community have passed through the scheme.  They have benefited from in depth Ambassador training and personal development which has improved their prospects.  In addition, the scheme has supported a number of individuals, providing training in subjects ranging from First Aid and Health & Safety to Media and Conflict Management.

This project receives funding through both the SRB and Urban Programmes until September 2006, and is looking for funding to help it continue beyond the start given by the Grant.

Working for the community, the Ambassadors have been instrumental in helping the Victoria Theatre and its customers.  The scheme was made aware of issues raised by members of the public who said that they felt unsafe when attending performances at the theatre.  Scheme co-ordinator Philip Smith created a working party including Police, Calderdale College CCTV, members of Calderdale Safer Communities Partnership and theatre representatives to identify a solution.  As a result it was agreed that specific shows would be identified where it was agreed the audience would benefit from the involvement of working party members.

The Ambassadors patrolled the town giving directions to nearby car parks and offered a meet and greet service, welcoming people to the theatre.  Police Community Support Officers were on hand at the end of specific shows to offer support to members of the public leaving the theatre and CCTV coverage was available to offer additional support. Posters were produced promoting the scheme and articles appeared in local press.  Public reaction was so favourable that further shows are set to be supported in the future.

Tim Fagan, Theatres Manager at the Victoria Theatre said “The Ambassadors scheme has been a real benefit to the theatre and I believe the town in general.  The fact that people have become used to seeing their familiar and friendly faces has improved the feel of the town centre.

In addition the Ambassadors have supported the theatre in very practical ways too.  Their confidence, friendliness and knowledge of the town allows them to play a key role in a new scheme that is making our audiences feel more welcome as they arrive and safer as they leave the theatre, especially at weekends, and we have received great feedback form our customers about the difference they make.  It would be a real blow if we were to lose their support."

The Ambassadors also support the pantomime at the theatre, working to ensure the safety of the 6,000 children per year who attend the first week’s performances.  Working with theatre staff, Police, Highways and Parking Services, the Ambassadors are responsible for supporting parties to and from coaches and road safety, co-ordinating the movement of coaches, policing access and egress from specific areas of the town and liaising with businesses and public services.  Tim Fagan commented “Your (Ambassadors) assistance and efficiency was invaluable and resulted in the best organisation that we have ever offered to schools parties.  We received very positive feedback from teaching staff who thought the organisation was exemplary.  Their support is essential at Christmas time and has enabled thousands of school children to see shows that they wouldn't have seen otherwise.