It’s Saturday evening and, instead of settling down to watch Britain’s Got Talent, Ali O’Brien is pulling on her uniform ready to patrol the streets of Uppermill. Ali isn’t a member of the emergency services, but her calming presence is just as valuable.
Ali is a volunteer with Street Pastors, a Christian group that has made it their mission to protect those enjoying a night out in Uppermill. They can be found in the town centre every Saturday, mixing with revellers until the early hours.
Street Pastors originated in South London in 2003 as a response to the Brixton riots. A local minister saw the problems on the streets and felt that local church members should act to make a difference in their local communities. There are now more than 200 Street Pastor Teams in the UK, including ten across the diocese. The Saddleworth branch was started four years ago by Susan Titmuss and has members from all of the churches in the local area.
Ali, who is also an Authorised Lay Minister at St Marys Church, Greenfield joined the group after attending an Education for Ministry (EFM) course with Susan back in 2017. “During the course, Susan told me about her idea for setting up Saddleworth Street Pastors. At first I joked that I wished that I was young enough to join, but Susan reassured me that I would be the ideal person as I would pose little threat to those who need our help.
“We know everyone working in Uppermill, are well supported by the Police and welcomed by door staff and bar managers alike. Our intention is to make the streets of Uppermill safer for the vulnerable people we come across on a night out. We see people who have had too much to drink or taken drugs, acting violently or dangerously, often in the middle of the busy roads. We move them to safety, talk to them and ensure they get home in one piece.
“Our role is not to preach to people or even to actively share the Gospel. However, we are often asked questions about our faith and we share the Good News with them. We do receive lots of hugs and have been called angels; it is wonderful to be part of the group. Joining Street Pastors was the best thing to happen to me in recent years, and now on a Saturday evening I am itching to get into my uniform and get out onto the streets."
Street Pastors undergo training before they are able to patrol the streets, including sessions on street culture, drug awareness, active listening and first aid. They are well-organised and well supported, with someone at home praying for them as they carry out their work.
On Thursday, Street Pastors from Saddleworth, Preston and Stalybridge were commissioned at a special service at Uppermill Methodist Church. This graduation service was intended originally to take place in 2020, but was cancelled due to the pandemic. Tony Winters, head of the Ascension Trust, the charity which leads and trains Street Pastors, was the guest speaker and several joyful hymns were sung in this celebration service.
Ali and the Street Pastor's Team at their commissioning service on Thursday.
The Revd Canon Sharon Jones is the Team Rector for Saddleworth and Chair of the Street Pastors Management Team. She said, “‘Street Pastors form a significant part of the presence and engagement of Saddleworth churches with the heart of our community. The late-night economy can be challenging but our commitment and involvement is a demonstration of living loving presence of God.”
Ali added, “Currently there are nine Street Pastors in Saddleworth and we are able to provide support every Saturday night. We would love to welcome more people to join our group and extend our offer to Fridays too.”
If you feel inspired and would like to get involved, please email saddleworth@streetpastors.org.uk