Stories from the Streets

 

This is the inspiring account of the work of Street Pastors by Dr Luke Randall and Sue Shaw.

Stories from the Streets explains how Street Pastors started and what they do including many stories of helping vulnerable or potentially violent party-goers and the homeless. I had already heard of Street Pastors and how they hand out water, space blankets (foil blankets like those marathon runners are given), lollipops and flip-flops. I hadn't realised how valued and respected the teams are or the big difference they make in making our city centres a safer place.

The teams are linked to the CCTV headquarters in each town/city as well as to the police and other organisations. They are useful in preventing potential violent situations from escalating, crime and assaults taking place, and ensuring drunken/high party-goers get home safely. They also provide a listening ear to depressed and vulnerable people as well as signposting when appropriate to night shelters and other charities and organisations.

They are trained in first aid including CPR and are often the first people at a city centre incident on Friday and Saturday nights. They work closely with the police and ambulance service.

I didn't know that Street Pastors get intimately involved with people affected by terror attacks and national tragedies such as Grenfell. They provide on-the-ground practical support to survivors as well as a safe space for emergency responders to open up and talk about what has happened and how they feel.

Linked to Street Pastors are Rail Pastors who provide voluntary pastoral support for rail workers and suicidal individuals. There are School Pastors who do invaluable work in schools. 

Street Pastors are also helping where they can during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Every time a team goes out, there are Prayer Pastors praying in the background. There is one funny story where taxis were needed outside a particular nightclub so the team radioed in and asked the Prayer Pastors to get praying. After a few minutes they had to radio back to ask them to stop: they had too many taxis! Prayer is a vital part of the work.

I found myself gaining a new respect for these selfless volunteers. I had no idea how integral they are to the fabric of society. No doubt we would be a poorer country without their work.

I enjoyed this book; it reminded me of volunteering with a Christian project providing practical and pastoral support to women in the sex industry. I saw firsthand some of the sights recorded in this Street Pastors book. I would happily recommend it and am planning to buy it for a friend's birthday.

The only slight criticism I have is that it became rather repetitive with similar stories from different areas. That could have been condensed and still had the same impact. But that is a very small negative for a great book and a fabulous organisation.

I am awarding this book 4* and am grateful to Instant Apostle for providing me with a complementary copy for the purpose of reviewing it.