History

Cheltenham Street Pastors commissioned the first twenty-one pastors on 1st December 2009 and has operated successfully since then on Saturday nights from 10pm to 4am. A further twenty-nine pastors have since been commissioned and patrols started operating on Friday nights from the beginning of August 2010. Representatives from 20 churches from Cheltenham and the surrounding area are now involved in Cheltenham Street Pastors.

What our pastors say:

"We encounter some sad situations and very vulnerable people, it's my prayer that God would continue to lead us to situations and people where we can be most effective."

“It has been the most amazing ecumenical project I have ever seen, with Christians from a wide variety of Churches working together in perfect harmony.”

"The response of the people on the street has been overwhelming, with the majority of people wanting to offer their heartfelt thanks and support for what we are doing."

"It is amazing to be part of a project which takes the Church out onto the streets and sees Jesus' teachings in action"

"Being a Street Pastor is one of the most amazing and rewarding things I have ever done, and it is wonderful to see how God leads us to the people that need help."

"Every night presents a different challenge. We may be engaging with people who have had too much to drink, trying to help diffuse an argument, or just listening to someone who is going through a tough time and needs to talk." 

Vision for 2011:
• To provide second Street Pastor teams for both Friday and Saturday nights
• To increase the size of our Prayer Team

Supported by:
Gloucestershire Criminal Justice Board
Gloucestershire Community Foundation
Cheltenham Borough Council