Inverclyde Now Logo INVERCLYDE Street Pastors Holding Open Day

3 March, 2017 | Noticeboard

Street pastors on duty in Greenock

INVERCLYDE Street Pastors are holding an open day in Greenock to give people a chance to find out how and where they operate and what’s involved.

The event takes place on Saturday 11 March from 9.45 to 11.15am in the Tontine Hotel, Ardgowan Square,

Local co-ordinator Alistair McAlees said: “We started in the central area of Greenock in October 2010 and we are now out weekly on Saturday evenings in both the Greenock and Gourock town centres offering help and advice to those in need and helping to make sure people get home safely.

“We are well known for giving away flip-flops which seems an odd thing to do, but it means that many girls and young women in high-heeled shoes coming out of local nightclubs and pubs will not finish up walking in bare feet resulting in visits to the accident and emergency department at the hospital for cuts caused by glass and other sharp objects.

“We also have safety blankets to keep people warm plus lollipops for sugar intake and water for those needing help in these ways. And we always have a listening ear and warm heart for those who want to talk to us about anything really.

“There is evidence that crime rates fall when Street Pastors are out and we get a lot of thanks from those out on the streets who feel safer because we are out as well. From our point of view, we just see it as a privilege to be able to offer help when it is needed.” 

Inverclyde Street Pastors is a partnership between local churches, Inverclyde Council and Police Scotland and is looking to expand both its numbers and activities. Street Pastors come from a wide range of local Christian denominations working together and need to have a Christian and church background. The minimum age is 18 and there is no upper age limit. The oldest serving Street Pastor in the UK retired recently aged 91.

“We are keen to build up our team at the present time and are also looking to be out and about on Friday evenings as well as Saturdays,” added Alistair. “Hence our open day on 11 March when we are inviting anyone and everyone to come and hear about the life and activities of a Street Pastor. In the meantime we are presenting Street Pastors to a number of church gatherings to whet their appetite for this so worthwhile service to the Inverclyde community.”

More information about Street Pastors in the UK is available at www.streetpastors.org or from Alistair on 07740 201 853.

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