Street pastors looking for more volunteers

A team of street pastors in Shrewsbury are looking for volunteers to help keep vulnerable people safe when enjoying a night out.

Shrewsbury Street Pastors was set up 14 years ago to care for anyone struggling with the effects of alcohol, drugs or emotional distress.

The group helps them get home safely, get them back in touch with their friends and makes sure they are warm and hydrated.

Director of operations, Steve Jones, said: "We always say to anybody, however they get involved in the organisation, is 'come out and have a look'."

He said they were looking for drivers as well as street pastors, and believes their reputation as a friendly face in the town has grown over the years.

Mr Jones recalled a recent incident when a man was refusing to give his name to the emergency services, but when the street pastors turned up, he said: "Oh, you're the nice people."

The group hands out items like lollipops for comfort and flip flops to women who can no longer walk in high heels.

It said: "Sometimes people need a bit of help, but they have not committed a crime and do not need medical attention."

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