Street ministry plan for Worthing clubbers

Nine local church groups have got together to work to introduce street pastors to Worthing streets '“ a scheme which will go "live" in mid-January.

It's a national scheme which has been operating in a number of towns and cities for many months, with considerable success.

The essence of this initiative is to assist the "young" and "not so young clubbers" on a Friday night to have a great and safe time.

Street pastors are trained to listen, care and help the clubbers through the night.

Friday nights

They will, initially, be on duty each Friday night, from 10pm to 4am, starting on January 15.

Of the 25-plus Street pastor team, only five or six will be out on any one Friday.

They will seek to build working friendships with clubbers, bar staff, club and pub management in order to help the "night" to go smoothly and safely for everyone.

The volunteer street pastors come from nine different local churches and will appear on the street, in their street pastor garb, in all weathers.

Street pastors are currently funding themselves with donations coming from supporting churches.

Caring for lost

Said one of the organisers, Mick Cassell: "We will mostly be in the background, caring for the cold, the lost, the worst for wear, the lonely and those wanting street friends.

"We hope to blend into the Worthing night-time economy and be a support to all concerned.

"We want to give special thanks to the pub and club managers, police, Worthing Borough Council and the Salvation Army for their on-going support."

The street pastors initiative has been welcomed by police.

If you want to learn more about street pastors, view [email protected] and nationally, www.streetpastors.org.uk

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