8th December 2011

It takes a special kind of hardy soul to be out in the middle of Whitley Bay after midnight on Christmas Eve. Perhaps a reveller heading home, a police officer keeping us safe or someone seeking visual proof that Santa exists. This year add to that list Whitley Bay Street Pastors.

For the first time at Christmas a team of Pastors will be on the streets, backed up by a team of supporters at their base in St. Paul's.

Whitley Bay Street Pastors were commissioned recently at a service in St. John's Methodist Church and I was delighted to go along to support them. They are modelled on similar schemes in Newcastle and in towns and cities across the country. Local churches come together to do something practical to support local people enjoying - and sometimes over enjoying - the evening economy.

Policing the evening economy is often a headache for the police and for local residents. The cost of the evening economy is well documented. But there's also a human side when people overindulge, when they get separated from their friends and sometimes find themselves in very vulnerable situations. Then the Street Pastors can be most effective.

Often alerted by door staff or the police, they can offer help whether it's summoning healthcare or contacting worried parents. Armed with water to counter the alcohol, flip flops to soothe the effects of high heels and protect from broken glass and a "space blanket" to ward off hypothermia.

As keen and active churchgoers, Street Pastors find their motivation in the practical application of their Christian faith and fellowship. Asking and expecting no thanks they will, every Saturday night between 10 pm and 4 am simply be there to help. So if you see Street Pastors on Christmas Eve or New Years Eve, or any Saturday night after that just say "Hello" and wish them well. I do.