OKEHAMPTON Street Pastors will be hitting the town’s pavements for the first time this weekend aiming to provide care and support for the night-time community.

Following weeks of training, the volunteers are finally ready to patrol the streets.

The street pastor will be sent out on duty following the Commissioning Service taking place this Saturday at Fairplace Church. The service is open to anyone and will start at 7.30pm.

Okehampton Street Pastor volunteers have said they are really looking forward to starting their first patrol later the same night.

From this weekend onwards they will be patrolling in teams of four, once a fortnight, on a Saturday evening.

Street pastors are trained volunteers from local churches who listen to, and help, people who are out on the streets.

They are famous for handing out lollipops to defuse tension and flip-flops to those struggling to walk in their high heel shoes.

Each project is set up by the governing body Ascension Trust.

The projects are then run by a local co-ordinator with support from local churches and community groups, in partnership with the police, local authority and other agencies.

As required by the Ascension Trust, the street pastor scheme in Okehampton won the support of Devon and Cornwall Police, local churches, West Devon Borough Council and Okehampton Town Council.

The volunteers learned how to work together with other partners in the night-time economy to make communities safer.

Each volunteer was subject to checks, references and went through a comprehensive training programme including sessions on child protection, first aid, understanding youth culture, mental health issues, drug and alcohol awareness, homelessness and listening skills.

A Criminal Records Bureau Check is required before volunteers join a team of at least four people, each of whom will work a minimum of one night a month, usually on Saturday from 10pm to around 2am.

A distinctive uniform is worn when on patrol and radio communication is maintained with prayer pastors.

West Devon Sector Inspector Mark Sloman said: ‘As the police inspector for West Devon I wholeheartedly support the introduction of Street Pastors into Okehampton.

‘I fully recognise the independence of the pastors but when working in partnership with them we are able to provide an environment within our towns for young people — and some older — to enjoy themselves safely.

‘I have first-hand experience of working with the pastors and fully understand the benefits they can bring to a town such as Okehampton.

‘They can provide support and advice to people who wouldn’t necessarily speak with police officers and listen to individuals who just want to talk to somebody.

‘They can be a calming influence on people who may be intoxicated and emotional.

‘Their existence in the neighbouring town of Tavistock has led to a calmer feeling around the town during the evening and night-time economy.

‘The volunteers are well-known and respected by youngsters.

‘My belief is they add to the safeguarding network whilst helping to prevent crime and assaults.’

Julie Yelland, chairman of the street pastor management group, said: ‘Okehampton Street Pastors have been working hard on their training since the official launch of this brand new initiative in the town.

‘Before going out on patrol, they complete at least four modules that form part of the 50-hour training programme.

‘Our trainees have all visited Tavistock Street Pastors over the last few weeks and taken part in a patrol as observers which has given practical insight.

‘Nine members of local churches will be commissioned into Okehampton Street Pastors by Roger Bird.

‘Representing the governing body, Roger will invite the new team members to commit themselves to the service of their local community, offering a listening ear, sympathetic care and practical help.’