Street pastors encourage culture of respect

Street pastors are helping to reduce rowdy behaviour and late-night problems across Essex. Chelmsford is the latest town to introduce a street pastor scheme, joining Southend, Romford and Colchester.

An estimated 15,000 revellers take to the streets of Chelmsford on a Friday and Saturday night. 24 street pastors have been recuited to cover the period from 10 pm to 4am. The volunteers go out in uniforms and in teams of four.

The scheme is Christian based but designed to offer support and advice to late night revellers. The role is not about preaching but caring, listening and helping.

Launching the Chelmsford street pastors scheme at the civic centre, Revd Hugh Dibbens said: "If you are too drunk to find your way home, the street pastors will get you into a licensed taxi or if you have lost your shoes on the dance floor they will provide you with flip flops. 

"Our contribution to a widely perceived challenge has come directly out of our Christian commitment.  We are there to encourage a culture of respect for others, the police, other people and property by demonstrating our respect for the young people themselves even when they are drunk,drugged or abusive. 

"We are all of equal status as made in the image of God Himself even when that image is heavily disguised.  We want to communicate trust by being available to listen and give time. We hoped that parents will sleep more easily knowing that the Church is out there for their kids. 

"We think that our contribution is prayer for the town and all involved on the night economy, not only revellers but the police and the door staff."

As the first volunteers went out on the streets  they received the good news that Chelmsford Borough Council had awarded a further £10,000 in funding.