Faith

Churches in Plymouth have launched a new initiative aimed at providing support, care and a listening ear to people on the streets late at night.

The Street Pastors will be operating in the Mutley Plain and Greenbank areas between 10pm and 4am on Friday and Saturday nights from Spring 2008. If it's a success, the scheme may be extended to other parts of the city.

Volunteers, recruited from local churches of all denominations, will be trained to offer friendship and advice, and where necessary will refer people to other local services.

Street Pastors is being set up by Churches Together in Plymouth and Mutley Greenbank Trust with support from the police and local council.

"We're there to offer to support to anyone who's out at that time of night," said Louise Baxter, of the Mutley Greenbank Trust.

Freedom Fields Park

"The Street Pastors aren't there to preach. It's all about helping the local community.

"We could be helping homeless people or those out for a good time who need to chat about something worrying them.

"One example might be two young girls on their way home from a nightclub and feeling insecure waiting for a bus. The Street Pastors could stand with them until a bus comes.

"Or we may be able to help vulnerable people we meet get in touch with another local service that could help them."

First launched in London in 2003, the Street Pastors scheme has proved highly effective in other parts of the UK.

"The streets belong to all of us and they should feel safe," said Plymouth police commander, Chief Superintendent Jim Webster.

"Having people of goodwill, regardless of their religious beliefs, out on the streets to engage, care and listen, helps our streets feel safer.

"The safer our streets feel, the more people will walk out in them, creating a virtuous circle."

The Street Pastors won't be working for the police, but hopefully their presence will help to make the streets of Plymouth safer and less intimidating.

"Friday and Saturday nights are quite busy in Mutley and Greenbank area, a lot of clubs and pubs are staying open into the early hours," added Louise.

"We know residents are worried about rising anti-social behaviour at that time of night. Hopefully the scheme will benefit the local community and reduce the fear of crime.

"We're not the police, if there was an incident the Street Pastors shouldn't be handling, they would step back and call the appropriate authorities.

"We can't be complacent, but the scheme has been around since 2003 in London. Since then, there has not been one incident of a Street Pastor being physically assaulted."

To be a Street Pastor you need to be over 18, the member of a local church and have a concern for the local community.