Volunteers (Safe Space)

Isle of Wight Street Pastors is a Christian Charity who work in the Night-Time Economy working alongside the Police, Council, Door Security and Venues.

Volunteer teams patrol the town centres and provide help and assistance to people who are suffering the effects of over consumption of alcohol, are at risk of violence, feel unsafe, are lonely, hurt and abused, or just value the extra feeling of safety that comes from having volunteer Street Pastors around.

Many of those we work with are often seen by society as having caused their own problems – particularly those suffering the effects of drinking too much. Our care is offered without judgement – regardless of the causes of pain, sickness or danger each of our beneficiaries is still a human being, still someone’s daughter, or someone’s brother. We do not preach or talk about our faith on the streets unless asked to.

We cover the towns of Ryde and Newport but also do events like the IOW Festival, Cowes Week, Scooter Rally Weekend and Carnivals.

All street Pastor volunteers are Christian’s from various denominations.

Recently we opened a Safe Space in Newport bus station in partnership with the Police and Southern Vectis.

The safe space is a place where people can wait for friends, get help with getting home, receive first aid, get advice and support or report Anti-Social Behaviour or any other concerns they have around feeling unsafe on a night out.

We are recruiting for volunteers to help man the safe space on a Friday or Saturday night between 9pm-1am so it can open up more regularly. We would require you to commit to at least one night a month but more is welcome.

You do not need to be a Christian for the safe space but must be sympathetic to our faith and over 18 yrs old. We would require a current DBS certificate, and any training can be arranged. You would be working alongside one Street Pastor in the safe space on the night.

Skills

We are looking for volunteers who have the following qualities:

* Confidence in talking to people

* Sufficient 'street understanding' to be aware of dangers and not be easily offended

* A non-judgemental attitude

* Kind and empathetic

* Willingness to help their community and make it a more pleasent and safer place

* Good listening skills

* Have a friendly, welcoming and approachable manner