“Our care for the most vulnerable among us defines who we really are,” said Pembroke Street Pastors co-ordinator, Lyn Edwards, following last Friday’s annual general meeting at the Town Hall.

“I have been very concerned over the last year at the amount of hidden homeless here in Pembrokeshire that do not appear in any statistics,” she continued. “Volunteering as a Pembroke Street Pastor and my involvement in various community groups has resulted in the knowledge of many young people sofa surfing and others of all ages camping out in bushes, garden sheds or derelict buildings and shop doorways.”

Detailing the Pembroke Street Pastors’ response to this clear crisis, she continued: “We have linked up with Homeless Pembrokeshire Facebook site where people across Pembrokeshire donate items such as toiletries, socks, hand warmers and gloves, disposable mugs, towels and pop up cups, food , sleeping bags, survival blankets and much more. An army of amazing people have also knitted hats, scarves and made sleeping mats by recycling plastic carrier bags.”

Lyn Edwards’s concern was clearly echoed by former Pembroke Mayor, Clr. Dennis Evans.

Clr. Evans, who represents the town council on the Street Pastors’ management committee, said: “I am very proud to be associated with the Pembroke Street Pastors. We in Pembroke town are very fortunate that we have such a dedicated group of people who willingly give up their time to ensure that the young people can go out and enjoy themselves with the knowledge that their safety is uppermost in the minds of the Street Pastors.

“I am pleased to report that the council think very highly of the work of the Pastors and a recent funding application was unanimously approved by council. Survival packs, sleeping blankets have been made available in the Town Hall and the Street Pastors are asking the public that if they know of any rough sleepers to get in touch with them or contact the clerk in the Town Hall.”

Voicing her thanks, Lyn Edwards continued: “Here in the Pembroke, Pembroke Dock area I have made up packs for rough sleepers, these can be obtained by messaging Pembroke Street Pastors page on Facebook or packs have been placed in Pembroke Town Hall, The Foundry, Pembroke, and with Rev. Nicky Skipworth in Pembroke Dock. You can also email [email protected] for more information.”