We at Launceston Street Pastors don’t have all the answers, but we want to play our part in being present and available. Hopefully being in the right place at the right time will make a difference to those we meet. We aim to get along side people to show them we care, to be an ear to listen and offer our hands to help.
We carry equipment to help in most situations, including bottles of water, flip flops, space blankets, and give out lolly pops too.
In the first few months of being on the streets, we have helped in an emergency, helped several people in distress and come alongside to listen.
A typical team patrol:
So what do Street Pastors actually do? In some ways, there is no straight answer to that question, because every shift is different.
But typically, the shift begins when the team arrives at the base just before 10pm. After a brief time of sharing any personal news and concerns, we pray together then take to the streets. During the first patrol (which tends to be quieter), we often make contact with door staff and police, picking up on any particular concerns they have for the night in question. We follow a route which aims to take in all the main bars and pubs. We are in radio contact with Prayer Pastors and CCTV and will aim to respond to any reports we hear or direct requests. Otherwise, we aim to be led by the Lord to the places where we need to be. Through the night, we usually return to the base for a break.
The team on patrol is on the look-out for anyone who might need help.
This help might include giving flip-flops to a woman whose high heels have been abandoned in favour of bare feet or giving water to someone who needs to sober up or a space blanket to someone feeling the cold. It might involve comforting someone who’s just had a row with their partner, or helping someone who’s got separated from their friends to track them down. It might mean a casual conversations or lengthy chats. It might mean calling the ambulance for someone who is injured.
How to become a Street Pastor:
To become a Street Pastor an applicant must:
1. Be 18 or over (no upper age limit)
2. Be a member of a local church for at least a year
3. Be able to provide a positive reference from his/her Church Leader
4. Undergo a DBS Check (formerly CRB)
5. Commit to the training course.
Once training has taken place, Street Pastors generally commit to go out on Patrol once a month.
If you would like to know more, please contact the Co-ordinator: Rachel Bate
Email: launceston@streetpastors.org.uk or 01566 781429
To become a Street Pastor an applicant must:
1. Be 18 or over (no upper age limit)
2. Be a member of a local church for at least a year
3. Be able to provide a positive reference from his/her Church Leader
4. Undergo a DBS Check (formerly CRB)
5. Commit to the training course.
Once training has taken place, Street Pastors generally commit to go out on Patrol once a month.
If you would like to know more, please contact the Co-ordinator: Rachel Bate
Email: launceston@streetpastors.org.uk or 01566 781429