Southampton Street Pastors Launch, 24 April 2009

Southampton Street Pastors was launched on Friday night at a special event at the Mayor's Parlour in Southampton. Around 50 trained, volunteer street pastors were sent out from the Civic Centre at the end of the event signifying the start of this project.  They were joined by local councillors, church leaders, police and local supporting organisations to celebrate the start of Street Pastors Southampton.   

 

The Chair of the Management Committee, Geoff Annas, relayed the story so far and made particular mention of the successful appointment of Richard Pitt as the Street Pastor Co-ordinator. The Mayor of Southampton, Brian Parnell, encouraged the new team in his speech and reminded them that the acts of kindness they made were as to Jesus (Matthew 25). Ray Bell from the Ascension Trust also congratulated the team for reaching the point of launching. Finally, words of support came from Chief Superintendent Matthew Greening who was delighted to see people giving their time to help others. He commented that solutions to the late night problems wouldn't come from legislation or policy but from people changing people.

 

There was an air of excitement before the Street Pastors stepped out.  Brian and Mary Parnell sent out the street pastors who then fanned out across the city's hotspots. Their role will be to care for people every Friday and Saturday night in Southampton from 10pm to 4am.  

 

If you are interested in praying for the teams or becoming a prayer partner, please contact Richard Pitt.