SINCE the launch of Warrington Street Pastors one year ago, volunteers armed with bottles of water and flip flops have descended on the town centre every Friday night to offer free support and advice. 

Over the past year, the Christian organisation has helped countless people while reducing crime during busy periods in the town centre.

Since the launch of Street Pastors, arrests linked to alcohol and anti-social behaviour have dropped by 26 per cent in the first six months, according to Cheshire Police.

The pastors work until the early hours of the morning to help keep revellers safe and make sure they return home after a night out.

From handing out flip flops to a young woman who has broken the heel of her shoe to offering a bottle of water to an adult who has had too much to drink, the team are ready to help those in need. 

John Britton, chairman of the trustees, said: “What we do is to simply try to show the love of God in a non-judgmental way to those in need.

“This is as illustrated by our Lord in the parable of the Good Samaritan who, on coming across a badly injured man from a different religion, race and creed, administered first aid before handing him over to those more able to care for him.                                                                                                                             
“A street pastor’s main role is to make themselves available to care, listen, support and help mainly vulnerable young people to move into more positive endeavours.

“We don’t attempt to preach or proselytise, give tracts out or give unwanted advice.”

Each volunteer must agree to undergo training which is typically run by the police and the council.

Volunteers must be 18 or over, be committed to the Christian fellowship for more than a year and complete a DBS check.

Prior to becoming a volunteer each street pastor applicant must have a recommendation from their church leader. 

The scheme was set up in Warrington with the help of the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire David Briggs.

“His support and that of local churches and Cheshire Police not to mention our dedicated team of volunteers has made Warrington Street Pastors the success it is today,” said Mr Britton, from Walton.

To apply to become a street pastor email coordinator@warringtonstreetpastors.org.uk or call 262078.