BRECON’S very own Street Pastors are preparing to hit the road in their new uniforms.
The group of churchgoers from all over Brecon and the surrounding areas have been meeting since January in order to undergo training.
Last Saturday, at their first aid training day at Watton Chapel, the group received the uniform they will have to wear when they are out on the streets of Brecon to engage with the challenges of criminal behaviour.
The uniform will consist of a shirt, waterproof coat, polo shirt and a cap. These are all emblazoned with the Street Pastors name so they are visible and easy to spot.
There are also other items of clothing available but these will come at a cost to the individual.
The course is about half way through and the group have already undertaken training on roles and responsibilities; good news and knowing your community; safeguarding for children and vulnerable adults and police and hate crime and drugs and conflict management.
Nikki Davies-Wheeler, who is a member of Watergate Chapel’s congregation, and one of the main reasons behind the scheme coming to Brecon, said: “We have undertaken five sessions now, including the first aid today, and we are hoping to be ready by the Jazz Festival but everyone must complete two observations on other Street Pastors groups before we are able to go out. We will have at least 16 people going out in groups of four.”
Nikki added: “I think we do need this scheme in Brecon. We are looking for more people to take part, especially younger people.”
Street Pastors is a church response to neighbourhood problems; engaging with people on the streets and in night time venues to care, listen and talk and to offer practical help.
There are a number of contributing factors which are naturally different from area to area. A common factor however, is the rise in anti-social behaviour and the young age of those involved in this as well as crime.
Liz Bramley, who will shortly be ordained as a minister, and part of the Llanhamlach Church congregation has been involved with the scheme from the start.
“I got involved after a friend of mine joined up in Carmarthen and I had also seen Street Pastors at work in Bristol.
“The police are seen differently and we are hopeful we can quieten situations down by just being there. I will be one of the Pastors taking part in the prayer but it was good to do the training anyway.”
Mrs Bramley said that she has grandchildren living in Bristol: “Children today need all the help they can get and so it is hoped this will be an extra support to them.”
She added: “It’s also good to see all the churches working together and that we are getting out on the street and getting our hands dirty and not just sat in the Church.”