Street Pastors Newcastle plays a vital role in keeping people safe while they enjoy a night out in the bustling city centre on Friday and Saturday nights. A dedicated team of trained volunteers from local churches is on the lookout for new members.
They help people who have become isolated from their friends, support those who become vulnerable due to alcohol or drugs, and work closely with the police and other organisations to help maintain the health and safety of our city. They also assist the homeless during essential nighttime patrols.
Since its inception 15 years ago, volunteers from Street Pastors have maintained a presence on the city centre streets every weekend. Between 10pm and 4am, they provide water and snacks, blankets, and footwear, as well as providing basic first aid to those who need it.
Street Pastors is a church-based charity. Volunteers must be aged 18 or over and have been a churchgoer for at least 18 months. A reference from church leaders is also required.
“There’s always a need for what we do,” said co-ordinator Paul Waugh,” It’s physical witness rather than a preaching witness. It gives the church a presence outside of our churches and it shows that we care.
“We’re not there to talk about Jesus to someone who might be drunk or injured. We are showing God’s love through our actions. Yet it’s surprising the questions we get asked about who we are, what we are doing, and the conversations that can follow. We sometimes end up having faith conversations.”
Paul, who attends Regent Chapel Christian Fellowship, an independent evangelical church in Gosforth, said Street Pastors’ volunteers represent a multitude of denominations.
He added: “I got involved 12 years ago because I wanted to do something out of my comfort zone for God. What we do is very rewarding and generally the people we help are very grateful.”
Paul stepped into the role of co-ordinator eight years ago to continue the good work of predecessor Sam Douthwaite, who was one of the founders of Street Pastors Newcastle.
Newcastle is a hotspot for stag and hen parties. Essential tasks include taking care of people, getting them to safety by either walking them back to their hotel or a taxi rank or staying with someone until they are reunited with their friends or family.
Paul said the Street Pastors have a good working relationship with police and door staff at clubs and bars.
He added: “If we see something of concern, we are able to use the ‘Pubwatch’ radio system, which links all the clubs and hotels to the police CCTV team, and they can alert the police in the city centre.
“The police are very supportive of what we do as we can take over waiting with a vulnerable person until they are collected by friends or family, freeing up the police officers to keep the city safe.”
Newcastle city centre is blessed to have a medical van, as well as a police ‘safe haven’ van for people to recover from injuries or illness, if it is deemed they don’t require hospital attention. Street Pastors can link with both vans in providing a safe place for people who become vulnerable.
The pastors meet and pray together before going out in teams. New recruits are always accompanied by more experienced volunteers.
Before becoming a street pastor, full training is provided over a three-month period. For more information, visit their website or contact Paul on 07840 827 614 / newcastle@streetpastors.org.uk.