A group of Christians patrol the city centre after closing time looking for people to help and support. Steve Simmons from the Malt Cross Christian group is one of them... I started walking the streets of Nottingham at night in August 2004. Who am I? There are many types of ministers. I am what's called a Church of England Lay Minister or in my case I am licensed by the Bishop of Nottingham as an Evangelist Minister. Basically I am a vicar without the dog collar. My job as a Lay Minister is full time. During the day I am either at meetings, doing further training, sleeping or hanging out with some of the contacts we have made. Most people in Nottingham are unaware of us, as we do not stand out. I don't wear a uniform. I wear a hoody and a fleece, simply because it keeps me warm, but also it means I can blend in. Only those we chat to or we have helped may actually realise anything and responses have been both appreciation of our support and surprise that we are out doing it. Stories from the streets Sometimes it can feel intimidating, but generally after boundaries have been broken, it is surprising how open people are and tell us some really deep things.
 | | Steve Simmonds |
One humorous occasion was when I offered to push two drunk wheel chair lads up the hill because they were either too drunk or too tired to push. One ex soldier told his life story - of the people he had shot, and yet he said we 'did not judge him, but just listened.' In his words 'I haven't had anyone do that for me, just listen'. At that point he broke down in tears. On a more disturbing occasion we found one lady crying covered in blood who had had her bag stolen. She said she didn't want the police, but wanted help getting home. We mopped her up and gave her taxi fare, and called her for a few days after to check on her. Qualified for the night shift I've never got into any trouble. One drunk guy pushed me, but as I was with a man who was twice as tall as me, and I wasn't threatened by the man, the man walked away. I have been trained. I have a theological qualification, a County Council Youth and Community qualification, Drugs Awareness Certificate from Peoples College and one from the British Institute of Inn Keepers, St Johns First Aid at work. "Personal Safety on the streets" Police. Theological college placements on Estates in London, Liverpool, Birmingham and three years of counselling skills training. The police know what we're doing. A superintendent of the Nottinghamshire Police is aware. We are still in the process of setting up links, but since this project is still in its early stages there is still more work to do. Passionate about people I am a Christian who believes passionately that people should treat others as they themselves would like to be treated. Every time I walk past someone left on their own at night, either throwing up or beaten up, I think, that could be my sister, or brother or friend, how would I feel if people just walked past them if they needed help.
At present six of us who work as street pastors in the city centre but we're not the only ones in the city trying to help and support people. There is a soup run who give out food from Trent Vineyard. I believe there are more of them. Other Churches also take it in turns to run soup runs. If you want to find out more about the work of the street pastors you can contact Steve via email at nottinghamoutreachuk@lycos.com or give him a call on 07875 128357. | 
