Street pastors are trained volunteers from local churches who care about their community.
They patrol in teams of men and women, on a Friday and Saturday night, to care for, listen to and help people who are out on the streets. People are out on the streets for many reasons, but on some occasions they may need our help – it could be that they have had too much alcohol and need support to get home. It may not be adults on the streets. In fact, in Ballyclare we see many young people out in the parks who need our help.
A street pastor is someone who is…
- a Christian and is part of a local church;
- concerned for society and their local community;
- willing to engage with people, whatever their perspective on life and wherever they hang out;
- happy to work in a team and in collaboration with other agencies and projects, both statutory and voluntary.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Street Pastors first patrolled on the streets in May 2013. And since 2018 this also covers the Ballyclare area two weekends per month. Volunteers come from many churches across the borough; all with the desire to care for people in our community. If you would like to know more about Street Pastors and consider becoming a volunteer, get in touch with the Parish Office on 028 9335 4814 or email david@theunitedparish.org.uk
