Street Pastors work outlined for Carrickfergus Rotarians

Trevor explained how the organisation which was started in London by West Indian Les Isaac in 2003 now has 270 schemes in Great Britain and Ireland as well as projects in other countries throughout the world.

He described the work of the organisation as the church in action on the streets. In particular, he spoke about their role in Belfast late on Friday and Saturday nights in areas where crowds of young people are exiting from pubs and clubs. The volunteers working in teams look out for the most vulnerable and help to keep them safe. Their purpose is to care, listen and help.

He explained that caring and help may come in the form of handing out flip-flops to girls whose high heels are hurting and to prevent them from walking bare foot on broken glass; it may be picking up bottles to prevent injury or their use in an altercation; it may be helping someone who is stranded find a taxi or contact a parent for a lift; it may mean a low key intervention at an early stage to diffuse a potentially nasty situation developing or it simply may mean engaging with vulnerable people to listen and talk.

Their work complements that of other agencies working in the city late at night to create a safe environment. Trevor pointed out there are active groups of volunteers in Glengormley and Coleraine.

Stanley McAloney, past president of Carrick Rotary Club, commended Trevor for the excellent caring work that he and the other volunteers undertake for others.