NEW members are being recruited in an effort to revive the Minehead branch of Street and School Pastors.

Street pastors began in Minehead in 2009 and became a charity six years later when they were joined by school pastors.

Both branches of the church-run charity successfully served Minehead and surrounding areas by offering a peaceful and calming influence on the streets of the town until the Covid pandemic struck.

The pastors worked sometimes in daytime and often until the early hours of the morning, and also in the West Somerset College during school hours.

Most patrols were halted during the Covid restrictions and some pastors moved away from the area, while others became older, and some died.

By last autumn it became apparent there was still a need for the guardians to continue to care for others and attempt to keep them safe, while trying to serve the needs of the community and helping to make the Minehead area a good place to live.

In response to needs expressed by local police, the college, and shopkeepers, a small pilot patrol was started for shops in Alcombe on Friday afternoons at a time when youngsters were travelling home.

The patrols were appreciated by all parties and the Street and School Pastors started to build relationships with the students and with adult shoppers during those busy periods.

Their work was applauded and welcomed by local councillors, the police, and college authorities.

Local churches met the costs of training, insurance, and supplying uniforms for new recruits.

Young people the pastors met on the streets and in the college expressed thanks for the care and concern shown to them and found it hard to believe that unpaid volunteers were prepared to give up their time and go without sleep for strangers.

It became clear that more patrols were needed in the early evenings in local parks, and the college wanted to have more pastors available to help with assemblies and some lessons, as well as giving particular support to those students who struggled with mental and emotional wellbeing.

Now, the charity has set itself a challenge to recruit sufficient new pastors to be able to serve the needs of the community.

Pastors need to be a member of a local church for at least a year, have a real heart for young people, be prepared to be out in all weathers, and be extraordinarily good listeners, as well as having a love for strangers which radiates through their smile.

The more School and Street Pastors recruited, the more often they can be around at community events and during lunchtimes at the college, building stronger relationships by being there to listen, care, and help young people as much as they can.

A training event for potential street pastors is being organised on Saturday, May 27, and one for people interested in becoming a school pastor on Saturday, June 17. 

Anybody who interested or who would like further information should contact the administrator for the scheme by emailing [email protected] or calling the acting co-ordinator on 01643 707238.