Street pastors resolve issues on the streets to bring people together

26.05.2008

For some people the streets can be scary place at night, with crime or, more often, fear of crime putting them off going out.

In Ilfracombe a new initiative to engage with people on the streets has introduced volunteer street pastors from six local churches to help make the streets feel safer by working with people to resolve a number of issues.

Transform neighbourhood deputy manager Rory McDonald helped set up the local scheme, which was pioneered in London in 2003 by the Ascension Trust, and here he answers questions on street pastors, who they are and what they are achieving in Ilfracombe.

Who are street pastors?

A street pastor is someone from the Christian community who is willing to care, listen and help people, especially the vulnerable and young. They get to know people in the community by building relationships with them to discover their needs and what can be done to help them.

They’re all volunteers from local churches, including Brookdale Church, the Christian Fellowship, Pip and Jim’s Church, Our Lady Star of the Sea and Holy Trinity Church in Ilfracombe and St Peters AV in Combe Martin.

Do street pastors work with the police?

The street pastors make sure that people know they are not in any way connected with the police, although if something serious happens they will alert the police as any good citizen would.

When and where do street pastors patrol and what do they do?

Street pastors operate each weekend on a Friday or Saturday night (both nights during the summer) between 10pm and 4am. They have a set patrol covering the High Street, Fore Street and Wilder Road, and also patrol Combe Martin during special events.

Their role is to listen, care, help and work with people in an unconditional way. They help anyone, especially those who are upset, in trouble or a bit the worse for wear. They even help with residents’ enquiries and lost dogs.

If street pastors come from churches, don’t they preach to people?

The street pastors’ mission is to work with anyone without preaching. If someone asks them about their church or religion, they will be happy to answer.

Who can become a street pastor and what training do you need?

The Street Pastors Agreement Document states that volunteers must be the right people – we don’t just take anyone who offers, but carefully select based on talent, skill, experience and motivation.

The minimum requirements are that volunteers must be over 18, attend a local church and have a positive reference from the leader of a church of which they have been a member for at least one year. Once accepted, volunteers undergo 12 full days of training.

 

To find out what it’s actually like on the street, Jackie O’Malley described her personal experience as a street pastor in Ilfracombe.

“I was attracted to get involved as this incentive is about reaching some of the community where they are, not waiting in church for them to come to us. The Bible makes it clear to love and care for our neighbour and that is everyone.

Fitting being a street pastor into my life is difficult as there are several full days of training and usually twice a month we are out from 10.00pm to 4.00am and it is a struggle as I am not used to such late hours!

At first, the response from the folks on the streets was scepticism and sometimes mockery, but now it seems to be gratitude and even respect.

Usually our involvement is simply to be a calming force. If there appears to be conflict starting, we may come alongside and try to talk to the people involved. We organise (but do not pay for) taxis for folks who are not able to get to the rank. We offer flip-flops for young ladies who are struggling in their high heels, which is even harder when slightly inebriated!

In my opinion, the qualities required to be a street pastor are patience, enthusiasm, energy, compassion and a non-judgemental attitude.

As for insight into people, I have always known there are drug and drink issues in this area, as in many areas in England. These issues are exacerbated by the high unemployment and deprivation issues in this area.

We are all very new to this work so are learning as we go, but I am certain it is of benefit. One resident said they feel safer when we are out on duty and statistics say the crime rate is reduced in areas where this scheme has been in operation for a longer period.”

 

Looking to the future

Since the introduction of the street pastors in December 2008, the response from the community has been fantastic and the initiative is now under evaluation.

Transform helped set the scheme up and a management group has now been formed from the churches to maintain the scheme in the long term.

To keep up with future developments, visit the Transform web site at www.transform.org.uk