|PIC1|With the aim to reduce criminal activity and improve safety, Street Pastors in the Chapeltown and Harehills areas of Leeds will be keeping eyes peeled and ears open-- as they visit clubs, pubs and other locations where young people gather.

The church-based volunteers are part of The Leeds Street Pastors programme, which has been launched by the local churches eager to extend the positive contribution to their communities.

The volunteers' training has included youth culture, drug awareness, listening and counselling skills plus knowledge of council and voluntary services available in the area.

A partnership of the Churches Regional Commission for Yorkshire and the Humber (CRC), the West Yorkshire African Caribbean Council of Churches (WYACCC) and Churches Together in Chapeltown and Harehills plus consultation with local police, voluntary services and community safety has contributed to the overall movement.

|TOP|Les Isaac, who introduced the Street Pastors programme to the UK from Jamaica, comments: “The Street Pastors initiative has caught the imagination of the church across the country, with over 350 street pastors on the streets of Britain. The project in Leeds is part of this growing trend demonstrating a passion to see a safer community.”

Street Pastors will share their faith if asked, but are primarily there to listen, care and respond with help where appropriate.

Positive response to schemes up and running in London, Manchester and Birmingham has been reported, including reduced crime when the Street Pastors are on duty.