Street pastors prepare for last ever shift in city

Volunteers helping people on nights out in a city are preparing to work their final shift.

The Carlisle Street Pastors has been operating in the Cumbrian city for 14 years, but the group is now folding due to falling volunteer numbers and the New Year's Eve shift shall be its last.

"It's a shame because it's very much needed out there - there are vulnerable people out there for all sorts of different reasons," said area coordinator Kathy Howe.

Volunteers help with anything from offering flipflops to people who have lost their shoes, to handing out water and organising taxis for anyone struggling to get home.

The group had 24 volunteers when it was first set up, but the number has fallen to just eight and it has found it "impossible" to recruit new helpers.

Ms Howe said volunteers had to be recruited from the church community, but she said being out until the small hours was not "everyone's cup of tea", especially among older members.

But she added: "It's been very rewarding. It's always hard to go out at night but it's like jumping into a pool of water - once you're in there, it's great."

Ms Howe said Cumbria Police now operated a Safe Street scheme, with an officer and another person ensuring people were safe around Carlisle at night.

Carlisle Street Pastors was set up by Churches Together in Cumbria, operating under the national organisation, the Ascension Trust.

Ms Howe said the group's aim was never to "evangelise", as volunteers were not allowed to do so.

"It's doing what Jesus would do if he was on the streets at night - he would listen to people, help them and care for them," she said.

A service to thank the group for its work over the years is due to be held at St Michael's Church in Stanwix on 26 January.

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