Street pastors to help city revellers (From Worcester News)

Street pastors to help city revellers

3:30pm Friday 16th April 2010 in

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CHURCHgoers will volunteer to walk the city centre streets to help vulnerable late-night revellers.

Worcester is to get its first team of street pastors under the scheme officially launched at the Guildhall last night.

Volunteers from local churches will be trained to help people who may be vulnerable following a night out in the city.

The scheme is due to start in September.

Elsewhere, the pastors, who work in pairs, have provided flip-flops for women uncomfortable in their high-heels, talked people out of attempting suicide and picked up broken glass.

The initiative has been welcomed by West Mercia Police, Worcester City Council, the LVA and local bar owners. Chief Inspector Jerry Reakes-Williams, head of local policing for south Worcestershire, said: “This is a very positive development for Worcester. The city has a vibrant night-time economy, which brings many challenges for the police.

“We want to support our local economy while ensuring that people are kept as safe as possible and we see the street pastor scheme bringing many benefits, as we know it has done in many other towns and cities in the country.”

The Venerable Roger Morris, the Archdeacon of Worcester, said: “Worcester is a very gentle place compared to other towns and cities but there is still a need to get alongside people – especially those who are vulnerable or in need – and help them.”

Paul Todd, manager of Sin Bar, New Street, said: “I think it’s a very valuable service. I’ve seen it in action on the streets of Swindon. It’s a very positive thing.

“Drunk people are more willing to talk to them.

“If people see the police coming they react defensively but with the pastors, there’s no bad angle there. They take care of people and make them feel safe.”

The Street Pastor scheme began less than 10 years ago in Brixton, London.

It is now in place in more than 150 towns and cities around the country and is overseen by an administrative body, the Ascension Trust.

To be a street pastor you need to be over 18, a church member and able to commit to the programme.