BBC highlights vital work of Norfolk Pastors

High praise for the vital work of Norfolk Street Pastors has come from both the BBC and from local Police and community groups with whom they work across the county.

 

The work of Street Pastors in Norwich has just been highlighted by a BBC Look East report which coincided with the recent sentencing of two brothers for the manslaughter of Good Samaritan banker Frank McGarahan while on a night out in the city.

 

Reporter Joel Mapp spent an evening out with Street Pastors in Norwich. “The Street Pastors are a group of Christians who go out every Friday and Saturday night not to preach but to serve,” he reported.

 

“First they check on the homeless, then they head for Prince of Wales Road, with its strip of nightclubs and bars which attracts thousands of young revellers.”

 

 

Norfolk Street Pastors has grown its reputation amongst the authorities, other agencies and the public, according to operations manager Paul Rendell: “The growth has been in the number of volunteers and in the confidence, maturity, dedication and witness of those volunteers.

 

“On the streets we are seeing more people whom we have built up longer term relationships with, clubbers, door staff, Police, homeless people, other agencies, voluntarily testify to the proven track record of genuine care, trustworthiness and non-judgemental behaviour of Street Pastors.”

 

Street Pastors in Dereham, led by Lyn Milns have gained much respect locally for their part in handling disturbances in the Toftwood area caused by a gang of youths stoning houses, impeding progress of vehicles to attack them and causing other forms of distress to residents.

 

“The strong local feeling led to over 200 residents overflowing a meeting with the council and Police,” said Paul. “As a result the Street Pastors took in the area as a part of their patrols and were able to communicate with those youths involved and the area rapidly calmed down. Licensees have been welcoming and enthusiastic of the Street Pastors."

 

In East Norwich, nine pastors have been going out on Friday nights in the Thorpe Hamlet, Plumstead, Heartsease and Thorpe St Andrew areas, working with local young people on the streets.

 

“In South Norwich the team have excellent relationships with Neighbourhood Wardens and all areas of the community young and old,” said Paul. “Their work has involved a huge variety of activities including litter picking, clearing drug users' needles, painting over graffiti, helping with gardens, chatting to people in pension queues, helping at school events, meeting youth and parents, helping at care homes, taking elderly and disabled people for trips out. Positive feedback has been received from authorities, schools and the public.”

 

In central Norwich, 41 pastors cover every Friday and Saturday night. Continued building of longer term relationships with clubbers, homeless, door staff, traders and Police has also had knock on benefits as they have promoted better relations between us and their peers.  

 

Police Superintendent Nick Dean has publicly expressed appreciation for the contribution that Street Pastors (along with other agencies) have made in crime reduction and improved safety in the Norwich area.

Work is also going on to develop possible new Street Pastors groups across the county in areas such as Great Yarmouth and Thetford.

 

 

If you are interested in finding out more about the work of Norfolk Street Pastors, explore this website or contact, Gail Halley: Norfolk Street Pastors Administrator tel: 01603 617598 or email hailgail@btinternet.com Street Pastors are also always looking for intercessors, so if you feel you are being called to this, please contact Val Chipperfield on valchipperfield@onetel.com or on 01603 465129.

Pictured above is Street Pastor team leader Steve Wigby, who featured in the BBC video report.