Chief Superintendent Graham Bartlett

Volunteer "Street Pastors" are going to be out on the streets of Brighton & Hove every Friday night helping people who have drunk too much leaving them too vulnerable to get home safely and potentially becoming a victim of crime.

The church-run initiative, which has been set up with the support of Sussex Police and Brighton & Hove City Council, has already successfully lowered crime rates in other towns and cities in the UK.

As part of the scheme, around 50 people will be trained so that they understand police procedures and licensing matters. The regular patrols start in March on Friday nights outside pubs and clubs in the city centre between 10pm and 4am.

The volunteers will care for partygoers by:

• Handing out suitable footwear.
• Helping people keep warm.
• Offering support to anyone who is upset or distressed.
• Finding taxis for people who have been separated from their friends.
• Picking up bottles and glass and disposing of them safely.

Brighton & Hove Commander Chief Superintendent Graham Bartlett said:
"The city partnership has already been awarded Beacon status for its effective management of the night time economy - everyone is determined to drive crime and disorder down further. Many organisations are there to both offer support and prevent an unwelcome end to an evening, but this is quite a challenge if women and men of all ages render themselves vulnerable and are unable to keep themselves safe.

"The Street Pastors will work alongside my teams policing the night time economy in the city and will supplement the already successful Safe Space in West Street which is available at weekends for those who need a place of safety, and Taxi Marshals who can assist you with getting a cab.

"Although we will work very closely with the Street Pastors, it is important that their work is seen as separate to the role to police officers. It is about looking after the welfare of those who may need help after a night out in our very busy town centre. However, I strongly feel that the presence of the Street Pastors on many occasions will calm down potentially violent situations."

Father Gareth Jones of Saint Michael and All Angels, Brighton who is co-ordinating the local scheme, said:
"Street Pastors is the Church in Action on the Streets, the Church's response to urban problems. Street Pastors will seek to engage with night time economy users, getting help and support for individuals where necessary. Street Pastors does not seek to convert or evangelise, rather the project seeks to be a silent witness to the love of Christ through social action."

The project will be launched at the Brighton Centre East Wing at 4pm on Monday, February 15.

For further information:
visit: www.streetpastors.co.uk, email:brighton@streetpastors.org.uk
or call 01273 729888.