Falmouth street pastor are "sworn in" (From Falmouth Packet)

Falmouth street pastor are "sworn in"

3:27pm Monday 30th November 2009 in Falmouth/Penryn

The group of men and women who will take part in the Falmouth Street Pastors scheme were officially commissioned on Sunday.

The 19 strong group were “sworn in” during a service at King Charles the Martyr Church.

After the service, which fittingly focused on the story of the Good Samaritan, the group had their first, informal, taste of being visable in the community.

The newly commissioned group joined the parade of lanterns through the street of Falmouth on Sunday, before joining the crowds enjoying the Christmas lights switch-on spectacular.

Scheme co-ordinator Sarah Grey said: “Just having someone there to talk to can make a huge difference to people and everyone is looking forward to the first night and are eager to start.

She said that the team has been going through training for the past four months and far from being “green”, many of the volunteers already had relevant skills.

While the scheme has strong links to churches in the town organisers say that they are not there to push religion on anyone.

Sarah said: “We are not out there to preach. They are there to care, help and listen.

The volunteers will walk Falmouth’s streets between 10pm and 3am, offering help to people leaving the town's pubs and clubs.

Working in teams of four or five, with three more volunteers back at their church base praying, the pastors will wear jackets, t-shirts and hats clearly identifying themselves.

Practical help can include everything from handing out blankets and flip-flops to just giving people a shoulder to cry on.

The scheme has had unflinching support and help from Falmouth town council and Falmouth police.

The volunteers will hit the streets for the first time on Saturday, December 5 at 10pm.