Street pastors return to care for vulnerable people on nights out in St Helens

Formed in 2016, St Helens Pastors are a group of volunteers from churches across the borough, all with a desire to help those in need in the local community.

On two Friday's a month, the team goes out into the town centre to assist those who may be lost, injured or distressed or vulnerable.

The team of volunteers assist people who are distressed or vulnerable in the town centre

Working alongside local services such as the council, police and NHS, their work can range from offering drinks of water, clearing glass bottles, and administering first-aid, to providing a listening ear, talking with someone about their problems, and making sure they get home safely.

They can also signpost for further support in regard to homelessness and mental health issues.

After a break during the pandemic, the Pastors returned to the town centre's night time economy on Friday, July 29 and will be in operation on Friday, August 5.

The Pastors receiving a bleed kit from St Helens Chamber

Co-ordinator Hayley Harrison said: "The team really enjoyed getting back out and patrolling the streets last weekend.

"Often the police or ambulance service don't have the time or resources to come to every incident and sit with someone so we are taking that pressure off the local services and being there for people in the community.

"We are not there to report people but to offer support and ressaurance with our presence, doing our best to make sure that they are safe and enjoying their evening."

The team of volunteers come out twice a month in rain or shine

With St Helens Pastors under a national umbrella of similar projects, Hayley joined the team back in 2019 as she thought the project was "brilliant idea".

Throughout the years, the volunteers have become friendly faces to those out on the town, while developing relationships and offering a supportive arm to those in need.

The team now hope to continue this work as they once again patrol the town's streets, along with future plans to create a "safe space" for those feeling vulnerable in the town centre.

St Helens Pastors