SUPPORTING THOSE WHO CARE

At weekends, the streets of City Centre Preston are alive with activity as people go out to have a good time. It is a lively and vibrant city centre with many different venues acting as magnets for people. Sadly, some people end up in a distressed condition and find themselves very vulnerable. At the same time, many homeless people in Preston are in the same area, and they too can find themselves at risk.

Step in Preston Street Pastors who, working with local churches, the police, Preston City Council and other agencies, patrol the streets looking out for anyone who appears to need assistance. They have hot drinks and snacks available. They are also well known for their flip flops. Sometimes a person’s footwear can become uncomfortable and harm feet. The Street Pastors have a supply of flip flops which they give free of charge. The Street Pastors are patrolling from 10.00pm until 3.00am.

Mad Friday can be especially challenging and this year the team put in a double shift starting at 6.00pm. After all, the office parties start early in the Friday before Christmas. Tim Horton, one of the Past Masters of Preston Guild Lodge met up with the team at the start of their evenings work. The members of Preston Guild Lodge had donated £1000 to help the Street Pastors with their work. Tim was delighted to present that cheque. Also paying a visit to observe the excellent and valuable work the Street Pastors do was the Mayor of Preston, Phil Crowe. He certainly picked a night to truly appreciate the team.