Town Pastors are Christians who look out for and support vulnerable people, giving assistance where appropriate. Being on the street to provide a presence of friendliness and care so that people can enjoy their night out, defusing any potentially aggressive situations. Town Pastors are available to people as listeners, encouraging safe behaviour for all, and fostering good relationships between the public, the Police, door staff, local authorities and voluntary agencies.
Town Pastors, working in male/female pairs whilst wearing bright distinctive jackets and headgear, are out on busy weekend nights from 10pm until the early hours. Their aim is to provide a positive influence in the town, backed by prayer.
They have contact with the Prayer Base, CCTV operators and the Police via radio and phone, and carry a small stock of useful items for use while on patrol.
The Town Pastors scheme has been running for several years in Ipswich and is spreading across Suffolk. Town Pastors are established in Bury St Edmunds, Newmarket, Woodbridge, Stowmarket, Sudbury, Felixstowe and Lowestoft.