Street Pastors volunteer 704 hours to improve community safety

Newtown town councillors recently heard from Street Pastors at its Full Council Meeting on January 27, 2025.

Ms. Covington-Mann, representing the volunteer-led initiative, shared insights into the vital work the Street Pastors do to enhance community safety and support vulnerable individuals.

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The Street Pastors, a community-based program driven by Christian volunteers, operate with the ethos of “Caring, Listening, Helping.” They work closely with local authorities, businesses, and law enforcement to provide practical assistance to those in need, particularly during the town’s nighttime economy.

During the presentation, Ms. Covington-Mann highlighted recent achievements, including the commissioning of 10 new pastors, bringing the total number to 16. Teams of four patrol the streets on Saturday nights from 10pm to 2am, collectively volunteering 704 hours per year.

This commitment equates to an estimated £8,500 in value based on the minimum wage.

Notably, 98% of welfare issues encountered by the Street Pastors are resolved without requiring emergency services. Nationally, the initiative is estimated to save the NHS around £13 million annually.

The Street Pastors are looking to expand their work, with ongoing recruitment for more volunteers. They are also seeking to extend their services to daytime events and increase their focus on mental health support, particularly within the young farming community.

Additionally, concerns were raised about licensed premises and drug-related issues in Newtown. The team remains committed to addressing these challenges in collaboration with local partners.

The initiative relies entirely on grants and donations to continue its work. Those interested in supporting or joining the Street Pastors are encouraged to get involved.