This article is written as part of a series of posts about the #DrinkLessEnjoyMore campaign
Have you been on a night out in Wrexham and noticed people in blue uniforms handing out flip flops and lollypops? These are the Wrexham Street Pastors and they are volunteers who, together with other agencies help to make the Wrexham night time economy safer for everyone on a night out. Wrexham Street Pastors also provide support at largescale events and concerts.
They are trained volunteers from local churches that care about the local community. All Street Pastors will have completed 9 training sessions spread over a year covering subjects including conflict management, listening and basic first aid.
NEVER MISS A BIN COLLECTION – SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY EMAIL REMINDERS.
Practical Help
Includes providing a reassuring presence, Street Pastors listen to and talk with people, provide information on local agencies and where possible engage with people to discourage anti-social behaviour.
Practical help provided by street pastors include handing out blankets, giving flip flops to clubbers unable to walk home in their high heeled footwear, giving out water, lollypops to partygoers and chocolates for energy to vulnerable people and ensuring the safety of anyone in need of support. Street pastors remove bottles and other potential weapons from the streets, in order to discourage violence and vandalism.
Working in Partnership
They are led by a local coordinator (Laurie Searle) and have support from local churches and community groups in partnership with WCBC, NW Police, CCTV staff, Door staff/Security, Paramedics, Welfare Centre and Red Cross Volunteers.
There are a total of 36 street pastors in Wrexham and they operate every Saturday night from 10.30pm until around 3am as well as every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month.
Want to volunteer?
Currently over 300 towns and cities across the UK have a street pastors team. There are also a growing number of street pastor teams overseas.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Street Pastors work, or are interested in becoming a Street Pastor yourself, please contact them here.
For more information about the #DrinkLessEnjoyMore campaign click here
Never miss a bin collection – sign up for weekly email reminders now.
GET BIN REMINDERS
