Pembroke Street Pastors are continuing to have a real positive impact on the night-time economy - earning the thanks of both the local Police and Town Council.

Speaking at the recent AGM, Police Licencing Officer Nigel Lewis said: “Firstly, may I extend my admiration and gratitude for the work that you do within the weekend Night - Time Economy of Pembroke.

“The extent of your contribution cannot be measured easily, given the unseen impact that you have when you offer counsel, intervention, and humanity to those who seek to participate in the hospitality sector’.

“The concept of street pastorship enhances the safety and wellbeing of every single person who chooses to go out at the weekend.

“I know, from conversations that I have had, that your pastoral services are highly appreciated by the licensees, staff, door supervisors and Police alike and you are all beacons of hope to those in need when darkness falls.’

In her report local coordinator Lyn Edwards said: “Street Pastors is a wide inclusive ecumenical movement made up of local churches working together and overseen by Ascension Trust.

“We are the Church on the streets ready to listen, care, help and support anyone in need without any discrimination.

“Pembroke Street Pastors has a rigorous recruitment and training programme which includes DBS checks and over 50 hours of training. We are overseen by a local management team and accountable to local churches.

“We continue working with the police, local councils, the Tanyard Youth Project, and a range of people working in our night time economy and various voluntary and statutory organisations in order to reach and help those in need.”

Pastors patrol mostly on a Saturday night between the hours of 10 pm and 1.30 am or 3.30 am, depending on events in the town.

“This year we have helped over 400 people which include some of the most vulnerable in our community,” she contonued.

“We have given out 18 pairs of flip flops to people who have abandoned their high heeled shoes and are walking bare foot on the streets often by broken glass. The flip flops enable them to get home safely without injury.”

Both Lyn and Nigel are particularly encouraged by the development of the ‘Meet Mabel’ initiative.

Lyn explained: “The Meet Mabel pilot scheme was created by Carl Williams and me. Carl is the CEO and owner of the OUT nightclub, ‘Meet Mabel’ and it has gained the support of the Local Policing Team, Pembroke Street Pastors and Ascension Trust who oversee Street Pastors in the UK. All are monitoring it to see if it could be rolled out in other night clubs.

“Mabel is a fully trained Street Pastor inside the club mainly on a Saturday night. She is available to engage and listen to people, offer advice in the hope of prevention and limiting incidents escalating. She is in contact with Street Pastors on duty.

“Mable is identified by the name on a sweatshirt and a lanyard and has business cards produced by OUT with contact numbers for support agencies, DAN24/7. Samaritans and the Veterans Safety Net.”

Voicing his support Nigel Lewis said: “The Pioneering Pilot Project that you have launched under the guise of ‘Meet Mabel’ is a highly welcomed enhancement to your pastoral services and I know there is much interest from other parts of the hospitality sector across the UK, and I wish you every success with this venture’.

The Mayor of Pembroke, Councillor Dennis Evans was equally enthusiastic, stating: “As Mayor of Pembroke it was a privilege to be invited to the Street Pastor AGM and to voice Council’s thanks for the excellent work that the Street Pastor organisation does on behalf of the town and its residents.

“The work that they carry out night after night in all sorts of weather conditions is nothing short of admirable. Their main aim is to ensure that the people out on the streets have an enjoyable and safe night out.

“Funding is always an issue, and it was a pleasure to present to the Chair a quantity of Haribo sweets which are distributed to the youngsters on a regular basis during the Street Pastor patrols.

“Pembroke Town Council will continue to support and work alongside the Pembroke Street Pastors,” he added.

Dyfed-Powys Police Licensing Officer Nigel Lewis, PCSOs Zoe Wynn and Jack Flanagan are pictured with Les Johnson chair of management team, local co-ordinator Lyn Edwards, and Mayor of Pembroke Cllr Dennis Evans.