Street Presence… hopefully the name says something; being there, a presence on the streets, for whoever is on the streets, no matter who they might be, whatever their circumstances, whatever their need.
The teams are available to provide a listening ear, a calming presence, support, or signposting, depending on the situation. Sometimes it just helps to know there is someone about who cares. Our experienced, trained volunteer Street Presence Pastors go out on the streets in Norfolk, UK. The street team is backed by a prayer team who are in regular contact by phone, pray for the situations encountered, and the street team relay back prayer needs as well as answers to prayer. Some of our team are also registered to provide pre-hospital care if required.
The key times for the team to be out are during the late “Night Time Economy” hours which can vary from place to place, seasonally, or depending on events that may be on. We would normally aim to be out on the street from 10 PM although we have been known to assist as required earlier. We stay out on the streets until we have assessed that there are no further need for our presence which is typically around 4 AM but sometimes much later if there is the need.
Whilst out, we provide support and care for persons in need who may be: homeless, suffering from the effects of poverty, sickness, disability, old age, alcoholism, drug addiction, offending behaviour, or any other mental or physical infirmity, as an expression of Christian faith. We do not preach either in a religious or lifestyle manner but prefer to let our action speak for us.
Much of our work involves our night time patrols, particularly (but not exclusively) in clubland areas, but we also offer follow up, either by signposting to other agencies or other support, to bridge gaps in need in the hope of providing sustainable solutions.
We are in regular contact with other agencies to ensure a joined up approach to our work so that we do not duplicate effort but are able to provide more efficient use of resources.
We are members of CNI the Christian Nightlife Initiatives network an international group whose members provide appropriate support for those people they find out at night.
We can be contacted via our website or through our VOIP number, 01603 340999, which connects to the most appropriate person including our street mobile when we are out.