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Street pastors scheme launched in Pendle
A MULTI-denominational Christian Church response to community issues in Pendle was launched yesterday afternoon when the first street pastors took up their posts.
Seventeen men and women from severalchurches have volunteered to give up their time to engage with local youths and vulnerable people, as well as promote safety in the diverse communities in Pendle.
The street pastors will provide referrals to statutory and voluntary agencies concerned in the rehabilitation of those experiencing drug or alcohol addiction and advice and signposting to the homeless or frightened while caring for the injured, lost and abused.
Similar projects have existed in other locations for years with results which Pendle wishes to replicate by assisting in reducing crime rates, substance dependency, suicides and hospital admissions while providing reassurance, security and safety to those who live, work or visit the borough.
Local Church Minister and Street Pastor Co-ordinator for Pendle Ian Humphreys said: "I am very encouraged to see church members are willing to give their time, energy and money to be part of this initiative.
"We intend to continue with this work for the foreseeable future with a long-term vision to make a difference on our streets, particularly late at night.
"We are thankful to the local police for their help and support and to the local authorities for their partnership with street pastors.
"We hope to recruit and train more local Christians to be part of a further team next year."
Det. Sgt Dave Groombridge from Nelson Police added: "The police are pleased to support this initiative which will assist with crime prevention, public safety and the rehabilitation into society of those whose lives are lost to addiction and hopelessness.
"This is a real example of an organisation taking seriously the need to work together with other agencies both in the statutory and voluntary sectors to bring about change which affects us all."
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Weather for Pendle
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
