Cheltenham street pastors out on patrol
Meeting up with the Cheltenham street pastors, my first thought was "what kind of people would want to do this?"
I can think of more entertaining ways to spend an evening than staying up until 4am on a wild and windy Saturday night to be confronted by drunken clubbers.
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Street pastors at work in Cheltenham
The answer is very normal people. They are not religious fanatics but an eclectic bunch of churchgoers – from pensioners to young professionals.
Weeks of preparation has led to the launch of the Street Pastor scheme, encompassing first aid training, social work and lessons on drug abuse.
After a pep talk and a prayer from the Rev Andrew Dow, rector of St Mary with St Matthew, the hardy souls set off into the drizzle for their first night on patrol.
"It's an exciting opportunity," said mother-of-three Anna Hutton from Warden Hill, who joined the Street Pastors through her local church.
"It's about people getting used to us being on the street, and building up a sense of trust with them."
The pastors tend to their flock by offering anything from a friendly word to directions or water bottles to those who had over-indulged themselves.
They even had flip flops at the ready for women who had abandoned their high heels and were walking barefoot on the damp pavements.
Ray Bell, who helped set up the fledgling group, said: "We want to be a trusted presence people can rely on if they need assistance. It is not about preaching but about listening and helping people in need.
"If there is any kind of aggression we will just stand back and let the police take over. We're not here to do their job for them."
The reaction from passers by was cautiously positive.
Some clubbers approached them, shook them by the hand, and congratulated them on their work. Others eyed them mockingly. But the majority of people seemed happy to accept their presence.
Chris Hill, 22, a student from St Paul's, said: "Having a calming influence might well help to reduce the amount of unsavoury incidents you get at night."
Alexia Morris, 34, from the town centre, said: "I think it's a great idea. Walking home after a night out can be quite intimidating for women so having an added presence on the street is quite comforting."
Not everyone thought the move was such a good idea.
Sam Prescott, 23, a student from Fairview, said: "They will probably cop quite a lot of flak, especially at the end of the night when people are worse for wear. They might not be taken very seriously."
A doorman at one town centre bar said: "With all the drunkenness, fighting and general rowdy behaviour at night time, I can't see it making a difference."
It is claimed the Street Pastors scheme has helped reduce night crime by up to 84 per cent in other parts of the UK.
Insp Jon Roberts from Gloucestershire police said: "From our point of view it's a real positive.
"When incidents happen at night time, we don't often get a chance to chat to people and build bridges.
"Hopefully, the Street Pastors will be able to fill that gap for us. It should complement the work we are doing."
23 Comments
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by p, cheltenham
Wednesday, December 09 2009, 8:25PM
“Just to clear a few things up this sceme is not new it has been running about 6 years around the uk, in those 6 years there has never been an attack on a single pastor and thats saying something since it started in the roughest parts of london. oh and all street pastors are taught in their training not to preach we are just there to care and offer support no hidden agender just to care and listen. Also the street pastors are there to offer support to people when the police can't they don't get in the police way or get involveed in the police's bussines”
by Ninja, Chelt
Tuesday, December 08 2009, 6:38PM
“Well done all Street Pastors - you are doing sterling work - wish you had been there when I was younger!”
by TeaInEveshamRoad, Cheltenham
Tuesday, December 08 2009, 5:36PM
“For the majority of cynics amongst you - what are you going to do for the man (or woman) on the street this Xmas?
It's all to easy to sit at our desktops or laptops and criticise these good people. They don't do it for personal gain or any sort of monetary profit.
It's actually refreshing to see people doing a good deed because they WANT to, and not because they're trying to impress anyone.
I wish I had the courage to do the same. I have every respect for them.”
by Me, Yer
Tuesday, December 08 2009, 8:47AM
“Religious types always like to prey on the vulnerable. Tired, emotional and yes, probably drunk clubbers are just another target for them.
Their presence also gives the authorities another excuse for neglecting their responsibility to properly police the area and prevent excessive drinking.”
by Stuart, Cheltenham
Tuesday, December 08 2009, 12:25AM
“Having read the comments below, it is of some comfort to hear that many have understood what this is about.
Sam Prescott has understood, these volunteers have decided to take time out of their lives, away from their families to help those who may need it late on a Saturday night (and others soon). They are not there to preach, convert or even share their beliefs, it is the fact that they are prepared to listen, be sympathetic and support for no return. Their faith helps support this and I am sure their will be times when this will be tested!
Of course they will get some flack, but that will pale to the difference they do make to those who need the help that same evening.
I think it takes true courage and integrity to do this and the fact they are Christians, reinforces their belief in their actions.
I wish them every good luck and hope that many others train up to join the group that have just started and make an appreciative difference over the years to come.”
by Rev Richard Turk, St Lukes
Monday, December 07 2009, 6:53PM
“There are 40 Street Pastors, but we're planning our next training programme which will be next week 16thDecember , so if you're interested in becoming a Street Pastor please get in touch”
by Sam Prescott, Chelt
Monday, December 07 2009, 5:17PM
“I just wanted to clarify that I do think the scheme is a great idea, I just wasn't convinced how well it would be received by certain revellers. I think it's great that there will be a positive presence in the town centre and I think it will reassure young women walking on their own. I can say from personal experience that these people do not preach. On Saturday night they were kind enough to give me a pair of flip flops and if it weren't for the title "Street Pastor" embezzled across their backs I would not have even known they were from the Church. I think it is ignorant to assume that all those who belong to a faith are members of a "cult". These people are caring, kind, and I personally am thankul for presence.”
by Mark Barber, Prince of Wales Pub
Monday, December 07 2009, 3:11PM
“These guys are great! Only last week they helped me to my car & put the keys in the ignition. I couldn't even see where the accelerator pedal was so they out a brick on it for me. I can tell you it was a really exciting drive home!”
by Cynic, Local
Monday, December 07 2009, 2:31PM
“... its just a shame that they had to have plain clothes police out with them. A waste of money and a bit self defeating ?”
by Danny B, Cheltenham
Monday, December 07 2009, 2:13PM
“I've seen these guys before and they're great people. Having a bunch of friendly faces on hand to offer water really just seems to chill everyone out.”