Late night out for Norfolk Street volunteer Aaron
 Norwich student Aaron Curran, 19, has just completed four months as a Norfolk Street Volunteer. Here he describes a typical night on the streets.
We meet for prayer, communion and briefing at 9:30pm and go onto the streets at 10pm. Typically we go to the soup kitchen, situated outside Primark on Gentleman's Walk although we do not follow a strict route. Whilst at the soup kitchen we are able to interact with some of the homeless in the city. This also gives us the chance to build relationships with them, whilst getting to know their situations.
We then make our way through Castle Gardens on route to Riverside, stopping to speak with doormen at the Marquee pub and then the Waterfront. Both of these venues lend opportunity for us to interact with members of the public.
Once on Riverside, we stop by the Queen of Iceni and then the more recently opened Project nightclub, before moving on to the train station. I remember one night chatting to two lads whilst at the station and it was such a blessing to be able to encourage one of the lads whilst giving him advice. We were also able to tell this lad about Jesus, when he asked us, and we left with him saying he would pray into his situation. Although we are not out to preach, sometimes people do ask questions about God and we are able to share our faith.
After leaving the station we head onto Prince of Wales Road, where we usually spend the rest of the night. It's difficult to sum up the work we do on Prince of Wales Road as every time out is different. We often help calm aggression, aid people to taxis, support the homeless in the Prince of Wales Road area, hand flip flops to girls who are unable to walk in their heels, provide space blankets as well as stop to chat with people who are interested in what Street Pastors do. It fascinates me the amount of people who can't believe that a 19-year-old youth would voluntarily give up Friday and Saturday nights to support the vulnerable.
Street Pastors go out in teams of four on a monthly rota. There are also a team of Prayer Pastors who stay at base to pray for the team on the street.
If anyone wants more information or would like to consider a donation or would be interested in becoming a volunteer please, call 01603 340017 or e-mail hailgail@btinternet.com
Pictured above is Norfolk Street Volunteer Aaron Curran. Picture by Josie Pointer
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