The Bishop of Lichfield met volunteers who offer late-night support to people on the streets of Telford on a visit to the town yesterday, Monday 28 November.
Telford Street Pastors have been operating for over five years in the town centre and other local areas. Made up of teams of volunteers from different local churches, they work closely with police and licensees to help potentially vulnerable people and prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.
The Bishop of Lichfield, the Right Revd Michael Ipgrave, spent time with some of the Street Pastors on a day-long visit to Telford.
He said: Street Pastors is a great example of the church in action, offering a listening ear and practical support to people when they need it, often in the early hours of the morning.
It was wonderful to talk to volunteers from various Christian denominations who have come together to serve on the streets, usually with a smile on their face!
I look forward to returning and going out on patrol with Telford Street Pastors next year and, in the meantime, wish them all the best as theyre out and about during the busy festive period.
Telford Street Pastors Coordinator, Revd Keith Osmund-Smith, said: "It was a real pleasure to welcome Bishop Michael to Telford and excellent that he was able to take time to be with a small group of Street Pastors. He was so enthusiastic about the work and commitment of the Street Pastors and seemed thrilled that it draws volunteers from across the denominations.
He has promised to come out on patrol with us in 2017 and we are looking forward to that opportunity."
Street Pastors is a national charity which has teams of volunteers operating throughout the country. Telford Street Pastors carried out their first patrol in July 2011. They are strongly supported by partners including West Mercia Police, Telford and Wrekin Borough Council and the other emergency services. Find out more at http://telford.streetpastors.org.uk/
During his visit to Telford, Bishop Michael also spent time with pupils at Holy Trinity Academy, met council and police leaders and visited Princess Royal Hospital.