Here is a blow by blow account of the first night's work for Southampton Street Pastors.

11.00pm – we are out on the streets for the first time!

11.10 – spoke to man relieving himself on street

11.15 – called to assist police at a venue.

11.25 – arrived at the venue -3 young people together, 1 depressed/suicidal (A) – refusing to talk to police. We counselled him, prayed for him (with his permission). We supported his friends. Contacted his relative to pick him up. While dealing with A and friends – 3 team members talked with other customers at the venue. One told of previous arrest – heavy-handed. Also chatted with homeless man/busker – good atmosphere – singing with passers-by!

12.05 – Radioed CCTV – 3 girls into park – asked to CCTV to check they emerged other end

12.07 – Relatives arrive to take A home in car

12.07 – Talked to taxi marshals to try to get taxi for friends of A – 3 hr wait! – they decided to walk home - 12.20. 

12.15 – 2 youths ?18! – Burnley football supporters – wanted more venues – suggested they’d drunk enough already – diverted conversation – fruit pastilles helped!

12.25 - Free lattes for Street Pastors at Old Fat Cat – highly recommend!!

12.45 – Very drunk young man (B) at crossroads Above Bar/London Road – helped him make phone call – helped him to taxi – 12.55.

01.00 – Young drunk – very unsteady - with older man – offered help – another older man said they were ok.

01.10 - Arrived back at HQ for break.

01.20 – Received call from CCTV – notified on break – could be out again 15 minutes.

01.45 – Back onto streets – chose to go London Road – into Salisbury St area.

02.10 – Lots of people congregating outside clubs (closed/closing) – lots of noise.

02.15 – Tension in group of males – outside Mono’s – radioed CCTV – 4 police officers responded – their presence helped to disperse young men.

02.30 – Hear of fight at KFC – choose to respond, but dealing with other situations on way.

02.45 – Very upset young man (20’s) in Watts park – managed to have him leave smiling and with friends

02.55 – Arrived West Marlands Rd – police (2) dealing with someone and blue lights at bottom – I made decision to go to Above Bar – front of KFC – spoke to group on bench on way

03.00 – No sign of groups from original fight, but aware of altercation outside Subway – young drunk (late teens) – looking for an argument. Diffused situation with other drunk (30’s), but young man wanted to continue to argue – tried to calm him down as much as possible and walk away from further provocation.

03.10 – Bottom of West Marlands Rd – young man with wound on forehead – congealed blood – wanted bus fair (which we don't ever give out) – walked off by friends.

03.15 – Above Bar – outside building site - aware of argument between 2 young ladies (20’s) and man (20’s) – man appeared threatening – carefully presenced ourselves – very quickly he stormed off. No further action required.

03.15 – Walking up Above Bar – continue to be followed by 2 of men from subway incident (not young man) – then joined by young lady – seemed very drunk. one of the team recognised her – 15yr old – with learning disabilities.

03.20 – Very drunk young lady (20’s) with man – falling over and unsteady – young lady said ‘wanted to go home’ – turned out man didn’t know her. Offered to make phone call for her or walk her to taxi – refused. She staggered off – but man continued to follow her.

03.25 – Radioed CCTV – notified them when she reached crossroads as their cameras were on Above Bar taxi rank.

03.25 – Spoke to CCTV re:- 15yr old – advised to walk her to police station.

03.40 – Arrived police station with 15yr old – also picked up single key on route – handed in. Remained with 15yr old until she was happy that police were awaiting phone-call to agree to taxi home.

04.00 – Left police station – arrived back at base – 04.10

04.30 - All cleared up and going home...