Preston's street pastors welcome the chance to bid for a £30,000 funding pot as the pandemic continues to hit the vulnerable people they support

The 44 trained volunteers, who hail from 20 local churches, patrol the city centre and St Matthews each Friday and Saturday night to care for, listen to and help vulnerable people out on the streets.

Their work is even more vital during the pandemic, as the city sees an increase in rough sleepers and potentially in sex workers.

The organisation has been permitted to continue its work through the lockdown.

PCC Clive Grunshaw is inviting applications for a £30,000 pot of money for organisations that help make the county’s streets safer such as the Street Pastors, Street Angels and similar organisations.

Paul Blackett, co-ordinator, said: “We find people don’t really talk to those who are on the streets asking for money, so they welcome people like us listening to them.

“At the moment the city centre is deathly deserted because the pubs and restaurants are closed, so we have been going out in St Matthews.

“At the moment people sleeping rough don’t really have anywhere to go for a warm drink, even if are given money, and with this second lockdown there is no onus on the council to find accommodation for the homeless.

If the bid is successful, the funding will go towards training new volunteers, which costs around £500 each, new uniform, and general running costs.

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