Norfolk Street Pastors provide a vital service
 Some 10,000 people are out in Norwich City Centre every Saturday night and Norfolk Street Pastors are providing a vital service to those who find themselves in need of help, according to local Police and nightclub doormen.
The figures and endorsements are contained in a new fund-raising leaflet from the Christian charity, which also highlights just how much it costs to provide the much-valued service and the urgent need for additional financial support.
“Street Pastors can provide maturity, experience, understanding and patience to the sometimes troubled individuals and difficult circumstances they encounter,” said Police Inspector Peter Walsh. “They have made a difference and we are very fortunate in Norwich to have these dedicated volunteers.”
Dale, head doorman at the city’s Optic nightclub, said: “They are an essential part of the night scene, very helpful and good to have around.”
In the three years Norfolk Street Pastors have been on the streets, they have intervened to prevent six attempted suicides and shown hope to countless others, but there is a cost to this, said Richard Pennington, Chair of Trustees.
“The current annual budget for Norfolk Street Pastors is £37,000; this equates to the sum of £336 per operational night or £672 each weekend bringing support through between one and three teams in Central Norwich, South Norwich, East Norwich, Dereham and Great Yarmouth.
“Our early intervention programmes are commended by Norfolk Constabulary as well as appreciated by those who are in harm's way and at personal risk. However, we now face the challenge of assisting this proven programme in these times. We would appreciate your support,” said Richard.
Money is needed for:
- Mobile phones: which Street Pastors and Prayer Pastors communicate throughout the night with. This also includes a helpline which is open for anyone to call at any time.
- Flip-flops: for limping young women to stop them cutting their feet on broken glass in the streets.
- Space blankets: for people out in the cold, either clubbers or rough sleepers.
- Food and drink: Last year we spent £660 on tea, coffee, chocolate, soup and biscuits for rough sleepers and others in need.
- Training: We run three training courses a year. Although trainers give their time very
- generously and venues are offered free, there are administrative costs and CRB
- checks as well as uniforms for new Street Pastors. It costs us about £1500 to train
- 30 new Street Pastors and £2000 to kit them out – that’s just over £115 each.
If you would like a talk on Street Pastors for your organisation or would like to contribute financially please contact administrator, Gail Halley at: Norfolk Street Pastors, 64 Connaught Road, Norwich NR2 3BS, or on 01603 340017, or at hailgail@btinternet.com |
