Street pastors hit the streets

Mar 20 2009 by Stephen Robertson, Stirling Observer Friday

STREET Pastors take to the streets of Stirling alongside police next week as part of an initiative to help those who may need care, advice or support while on a night out.

The new scheme sees Stirling join other cities and towns across Scotland and the UK supported by Street Pastors, an inter-denominational organisation of volunteers who engage with those needing assistance. It gets underway in the city next Friday.

Stirling Area Commander Superintendent David Flynn said: “Often at the weekends police officers’ time can be spent dealing with a wide range of minor issues which have arisen as a result of people consuming too much drink and this makes them more vulnerable than they would be otherwise.

“This can tie up resources which are often needed elsewhere.”

He added: “This initiative is supported by the Community Safety Partnership and is part of a collective approach to make Stirling city centre as safe as possible.

“The Street Pastors will be there to provide care, support and help to people in the city centre at night. They will be in constant contact with officers via a radio link.”

Street Pastors will be equipped with a first-aid kit, space blankets, anti-spike bottle stoppers, as well as flip-flops to provide those who have lost their shoes with something to wear for the journey home.

James Mackenzie, co-ordinator for the Stirling Street Pastors, said: “This means we can deal with a wide range of issues such as giving first aid treatment for minor injuries, keeping somebody warm while they wait for a taxi or even making sure that they can walk comfortably with a pair of flip-flops.”

He added: “The role of the volunteers is caring and helping but above all, listening. This seems to fill a niche that is much needed and appreciated on the streets at nights.”

Stirling joins Aberdeen, Dunfermline, Glasgow, Inverness and Perth in the initiative, with further Street Pastor projects planned for Edinburgh and Inverclyde.

Stirling Councillor Councillor Jim Thomson, said: “We are delighted to support the introduction of the Street Pastors initiative in Stirling. We have undertaken a range of projects through the Community Safety Partnership focused on the night time economy, and the Street Pastors approach compliments these initiatives.”