Have you ever sat up into the wee small hours wondering if someone from your family is okay after a night out in the town? Many parents, grandparents and often spouses have sat late into the night wondering if their loved one will get home safely. In the past few years a group of dedicated people have worked long and hard to establish Arbroath Street Pastors in our town. Almost two months ago the first group of recruits hit our streets on a Saturday evening offering assistance to anyone in need.
Help can come in the form of flip-flops for the many people walking home with no shoes after a night out, water for the thirsty and often just a boiled sweet to diffuse an uncomfortable situation. Most importantly, Street Pastors offer a welcoming , non-judgemental Christian presence in our streets between 10pm and 3am for the needy.
Street Pastors have come a long way since the early days when the first volunteers – 18 of them hit the streets of Lambeth and Hackney in 2003 – and is still overseen by its governing body, the Ascension Trust led by Rev Les Isaac (the founder) which develops programmes and training and ensures that each Street Pastors initiative is developed and supported by local councils, emergency services and, most importantly, the church – the Urban Trinity of Street Pastors.
Arbroath Street Pastors is a relatively new initiative but its volunteers come from a wide range of churches within the town (including Elizabeth and Seonid Cunningham and Sue Christian from the Old & Abbey). After all, we all believe in emulating the actions of our Lord who spent so much time helping those who were in need. In order for the Street Pastors to give their best at all times, they undergo a wide ranging and extensive training programme. This training covers everything from counselling skills to Good News and knowing your community. All Street Pastors are known for their distinctive blue uniform of cap, shirts and jackets, but known more for caring without cost.
As Christians involved in aspects of our own church it is easy to forget about the community at large who need to experience the kindness of Christian love in action. That’s what Street Pastors do – they take God onto the streets through deed.
Street Pastors Arbroath are looking for more volunteers to take part in the next training programme and join them in reaching out to those who need help. If you are interested in getting involved or would like more information contact the co-ordinator, Elizabeth Cunningham, on 07432 401943 or by emailing arbroath@streetpastors.org.uk.