Street Pastors is a national initiative, first pioneered in 2003 and represented by local groups, whose aim is to care for the local community. This is achieved by volunteers from local churches taking time to listen to and help people practically who are out and about on the streets. Street Pastors are usually on patrol once a month, from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. on a Friday or Saturday night. Street Pastors talk to people who need a shoulder to cry on, or they might sit with people who are struggling with the effects by drugs or alcohol. Their presence supports the police by freeing them up to respond to emergencies. The street volunteers are supported, at one of the base churches, by a few prayer pastors (as well as with other supporters praying from home).
Bishop’s Stortford Street Pastors are currently led by local coordinator, Pippa Roy-Chowdhury and works within what is called the “Urban Trinity” – a partnership between the churches, the council and the local police – with some very strong ties established over the years.