Blog: Pastors are good news on the streets of Shrewsbury

A bunch of do-gooders who do nothing more than hand out flip-flops and lollypops to the inebriated as they stagger out of the pubs and clubs at two in the morning.

But that is just what most of us see.

In reality, these men and women - volunteers all - do much more. In fact, it is quite possible they have saved more than a few lives.

And now they could save even more.

The street pastors arrived on the scene in 2011. There are currently 18 volunteers from 11 different churches.

Before they took to the streets, there had been 29 deaths in the River Severn over the seven years since 2004. Their arrival heralded a two year period without a single fatality.

But far from resting on their laurels, these volunteers are now taking extra steps to ensure they are prepared should the worst happen.

Since January there have been seven river rescues in the town. Seven too many. Seven potential fatalities.

So the street pastors have decided to learn how to rescue people from the river.

Last week they took part in a 90-minute training session at Frankwell Quay, learning how to throw buoyancy aids and lines from the safety of the towpath. A further two sessions planned later this month.

These people did not need to do this. Putting themselves potentially in harm's way for the good of others. But we should all be thankful that they are. If someone falls in the river, it takes time for the fire service to respond. Heaven forbid, but with the ridiculous cuts our fire fighters are having to contend with, who is to say it won't take even longer in the future?

Having the street pastors on hand is, if you like, a Godsend.

And, just as it's not all about flip-flops and lollipops (they can have that as the title of their book/movie if they like. On me), it's also not all about the headline-grabbing river rescues.

They help get people home safe, get them back in touch with friends and provide things like space blankets to keep warm and water to re-hydrate.

They are linked by radio with the emergency services, door staff and the town's CCTV system.

As you can see, they do a lot. But they can't do everything.

They can't be everywhere.

The organisers are looking to recruit more street pastors.

If you think you can help, visit http://www.streetpastors.co.uk

You may never need the street pastors. You may never see them doing anything other than hand out lollipops and flip-flops.

But I, for one, am grateful they are there.