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The Street Pastors operate in Barnsley and Rotherham town centres from weekend evenings until early the following morning, looking out for vulnerable people, giving practical assistance and first aid, defusing violent situations and giving pastoral care.  They provide a uniformed presence and seek to bring peace, and can put people in touch with experts in different areas, from addictions to abuse, from hotels to housing.  They are also famous for their flip-flops for the ladies who can no longer walk in high heeled shoes!

Mike Rossiter, Barnsley Street Pastor Coordinator, said: “Barnsley Street Pastors are always grateful when nominated for a donation in recognition of our work.  All donations are welcomed because it enables us to continue the work we do on the streets.”

Paul Hunt, Rotherham Street Pastors Coordinator, said: “Street Pastors is a very practical way of helping vulnerable people on the streets of Rotherham, helping diffuse anti-social behaviour and just generally being a calming response to potential problems.

“We have recently been recognised for our work by South Yorkshire Police by receiving a ‘District Commanders Commendation.’  This money will go to help us with our supplies that we give out and also help us with general running costs, keeping us on the streets for as long as we can.”

Owen Gleadall, President of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are delighted to support the Street Pastor groups which do such excellent volunteer work in our two towns.  They are helping local people in difficulty without any public funding and also make Barnsley and Rotherham safer places for people to go to and enjoy themselves in the evening.