Salisbury’s unsung heroes recently celebrated 40,000 patrol hours and I was delighted to gain an insight into the important work they do to keep people safe at night.
I joined the Salisbury Street Pastors, who have been going since 2009, for patrol last Saturday night.
Setting out with a mission to "care for, listen to and help" those on the streets at nighttime, the Street Pastors showcased their skill and compassion during my patrol with them.
We started the night with a prayer at Salisbury Baptist Church, which is the hub where supplies and snacks for the night ahead are stored.
Joining the patrol on this particularly quiet Saturday night was coordinator Brian Percey, leader Jenny Owen, Tom Simpkins, and Tony Walker.
Despite the night not being the busiest, it's always worth it for Tony. He said: "We could go all night for one three-minute event which we can help with."
The Street Pastors are trained by paramedics, counsellors, and the police to deal with all sorts of incidents, ranging from drug and alcohol abuse to handing out flip flops when high heels become too uncomfortable.
I’m out in #Salisbury tonight with the Street Pastors! I’ll be observing their patrol for a @journalupdate article. pic.twitter.com/mXgnQYAUsM
— Jordan Elkins (@JelkNQ) August 20, 2022
While we were walking, we found a man sleeping at New Canal taxi rank just after 1am. Brian approached him and gently offered his help, asking if he needed anything to drink.
It turns out he had missed the last train back to Tisbury, his hometown, and decided it would be best to sleep on the street.
After a quick trip back to base, the team returned with a sleeping bag, space blanket, two coffees and a pack of doughnuts for the man. Jenny escorted him to a bench in the Old George Mall where he was safely put up for the night, out the way of the bright lights from the taxi rank.
"We believe there are God incidents, and that God leads us to them," said Brian Percey.
Recalling one such "God incident", Brian said that one night a pastor asked to check Crane Street, which isn't normally on the patrol route. They found an unconscious man led behind a car and arrived "just in time" to stop the car reversing and help the man.
Keeping an eye out of vulnerable women being targeted by "predatory men leading them into taxis" is an important role of the Street Pastors. Tony added: "It's more of a problem in Southampton but we are aware of it here."
During our patrol, Jenny took a tally of everyone the team helped and kept a note of each sweep, water bottle handed out, glass bottle picked up, pair of flip flops, and police officer on foot.
The friendly "good evenings" and smiles to people out in the nighttime economy radiated positivity throughout Salisbury. Many people recognised the Street Pastors by their iconic uniform and distinctive friendly approach through handing out lollipops.
Our night reassured me that I can feel safe and protected when out in Salisbury, thanks to the Street Pastors.
To find out more information about the Salisbury Street Pastors, visit their website or Facebook page.
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