Inverclyde's Street Pastors save two people on brink of suicide

Until the pandemic closed down the night-time economy, the volunteers had become a fixture on Greenock and Gourock's town centre streets late at night.

With the recent Covid-19 restrictions being relaxed, patrols have been able to operate again on a more limited basis, including pilot daytime patrols and earlier evening ones.

On a recent Saturday session, the group were approached by two separate individuals who each let them know that they had spoken to pastors previously and that their conversations had resulted in both not carrying out the suicides they had planned.

Inverclyde Street Pastors co-ordinator Alistair McAlees said: "Obviously we are very heartened by this news.

"We are aware generally that Street Pastors and Rail Pastors have been able to help in these circumstances.

"While we might be better known for handing out flip-flops late at night to ladies who have taken off their shoes after a night at a club and are in danger of cutting their feet and landing up in A & E, we do have many conversations with those out and about, some of whom are hurting and feeling suicidal.

"We are just glad to know that these conversations have been helpful and averted the awful outcome of suicide."

Street Pastors is a national initiative which started in London in 2003 and spread very quickly across the UK.

Volunteers come from a wide range of Christian denominations and are specially trained for the role they undertake. Alistair said: "Being a Street Pastor as well as the local co-ordinator has been one of the most rewarding things I have done and I would encourage others to become local pastors.

To be a Street Pastor you need to be 18 years of age or above, with a church background for at least 12 months, and have a heart for the community and a desire to engage with people.

More information is available from Alistair by emailing inverclyde@streetpastors.org.uk or call him on 07740201853.