To spot a member of the Ashford Street Pastor patrol team you only have to look for the big blue bag.

One of the questions we get asked most is: “What’s in the bag?”

As answer, we’ve unpacked a bag for you….

Checklist

What to carry in the big blue bag:

• Water bottle
• Flipflops
• Hairbands
• New Testament Bible
• Lighter
• Lollipops
• Power-bank
• Tissues
• Spikeys bottle stoppers
• Emergency foil blanket
• First aid kit
• Torch
• Evidence bag
• Latex gloves
• Antiseptic wipes
• First response rescue mask
• Defibrilator (AED)
• Street Pastors cards

What is it all used for?

Some of the uses for these may be obvious whilst some of these won’t be.

Our street pastors have been trained in emergency first aid. Most of the medical equipment they carry allows them to start responding and helping an injured person. Sometimes this means that they simply doctor cuts and bruises, other times they start emergency treatment whilst waiting for an ambulance to arrive.

Whilst street pastors are trained for emergency situations, most of what they carry in their bags are practical items that help those who are out for a night on the town keep safe.

Dancing the night away in high-heels, but your feet hurt and you have blisters? What greater feeling is there than taking them off and walking in flip-flops?

Phone battery dead and not able to call a taxi? Have a boost charge from our power-bank.

Just want to come and say hello? Have a lollipop!

Whilst these are all ways in which the street pastors can provide help, the most important thing they do is provide a safe presence on the streets. They keep an eye out for dangerous situations and help prevent these or de-escalate those already in progress.

So next time you’re around Ashford and you spot a street pastors patrol, why not come and say hi, from a corona safe distance of course!

Want to find out how to support Ashford Street Pastors with the work we do? Head over to this page here.