Stockton Town Pastors provide a caring presence on the streets of Stockton-on-Tees on Friday and Saturday evenings (plus some bank holidays) between 10pm and 4am during the ‘night-time economy’ period when members of the public may become vulnerable and in need of help.
The Project is also represented on the Board of ‘Christian Nightlife Initiatives’ a registered charity which seeks to provide guidance and support nationally to a range of activities aimed at establishing similar community based projects within the night-time economy period.
Stockton Town Pastors Aim To
- Make a contribution to the safety and well-being of fellow citizens
Offer care, compassion and relevant practical and spiritual help where appropriate to members of the public - Help those who find themselves marginalised and vulnerable
- Signpost services that are available from other organisations and Stockton Borough Council and help individuals access those services
- Offer support, training and guidance to other groups in setting up or running similar projects in other locations
These are achieved by providing a presence within the night-time environment on Friday and Saturday evenings between the hours of 10pm and 3am, offering assistance to those who may be in need. This ranges from administering first aid for minor injuries or ailments to reuniting individuals with family and/or friends; and includes temporary respite via our ‘free’ café located within our mobile unit for those in need of a safe haven away from the alcohol-dominated environment.
Our Volunteers
Volunteers go out in teams of 3 onto the streets of our town centre each Friday and Saturday night between the hours of 9.30pm and 4.00am.
They supplement the work of the paid emergency services and are part of the wider team of ‘official professionals’ whose role it is to help keep the town safe at night.
Each volunteer wears a green and black jacket bearing the distinctive logo, thus they are easily identified as ‘safe’ people to approach if help is needed. Since going on the streets in December 2009, the project has been able to assist an amazing number of people, out to enjoy the clubs and bars around the town centre.
Many have expressed their appreciation of the support offered and we have developed good relationships with the other bodies also ‘on duty’.
Volunteer Training
- STP Volunteer Handbook Policies and Procedures
- First Aid at Work Qualification
- Conflict Management and Personal Safety
- Child & Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding
- Self Defence
How to get involved
You must be over the age of 18 to start with but there is more specific information on the Donate Time section.
Have a night out with us
Potential volunteers go through a thorough process of observing patrols at work on several Saturday nights and Sunday mornings before being invited to make a formal application to become a Street Pastor.