Street Pastor patrols throughout June and July were mostly peaceful and quiet.

Even when it is quiet, Street Pastors are on hand to clear up litter and broken glass and return glasses we find to nearby pubs. We also chatted to several groups of young people and gave them lollies. We gave a bottle of water and some snacks to a lad we met who said he’d not eaten all day.

One night, there were numerous articulated lorries making their way through Wantage at different times as a result of a diversion off the A34. We saw one lorry going the wrong way round the Market Square but the police were there too and were able to assist the lorry driver.

Street Pastors gave a listening ear to a mother whose daughter is going through a difficult time and we chatted to a young man who is recovering from having had a heart attack and a heart operation. We also spent some time with a young man who is a single dad, bringing up his child with the help of his mum and brother. We’re always happy to hear about people’s lives and to offer support and encouragement wherever we can. Our website includes a page of helpful information and organisations that we can signpost people to – see bit.ly/wgsp-help

In July we encountered a woman lying on the ground with a man next to her who was calling the emergency services. It appeared that the lady had fallen and grazed her knee. We stayed with them to ensure that they would be ok.