The Christian charity Street Pastors, which ministers to the UK’s city nightlife as well as the homeless, is calling for more volunteers in order to keep its Sunderland branch running.
Sunderland Safe Haven usually operates every Saturday night, distributing flip flops, space blankets, and water to clubbers, along with hats, gloves and sleeping bags.
But coordinator Julie Judson has told the BBC that the group is down to just six volunteers. A drop-off in volunteer numbers was particularly noticeable after the Covid lockdowns.
“We try not to cancel any shifts but many of us are out every weekend," she said.
On New Year’s Eve, the Carlisle Street Pastors carried out their last ever shift after operating for 14 years.
“It's a shame,” said coordinator Kathy Howe, “it's very much needed out there - there are vulnerable people out there for all sorts of different reasons.”
In 2023, the charity says it helped 120 people. It took 23 to its ‘Safe Zone’, and five to hospital.
The charity describes itself as “Christians rolling up their sleeves and getting involved in practically responding to the problems of crime and safety.”
"It's really challenging work but it's fun too because you meet so many lovely people, those out partying, the door staff, the police," Julie Judson said.
"I get more hugs and handshakes working in the night-time economy than anywhere else."
The Christian charity Street Pastors, which ministers to the UK’s city nightlife as well as the homeless, is calling for more volunteers in order to keep its Sunderland branch running.
Sunderland Safe Haven usually operates every Saturday night, distributing flip flops, space blankets, and water to clubbers, along with hats, gloves and sleeping bags.
But coordinator Julie Judson has told the BBC that the group is down to just six volunteers. A drop-off in volunteer numbers was particularly noticeable after the Covid lockdowns.
“We try not to cancel any shifts but many of us are out every weekend," she said.
On New Year’s Eve, the Carlisle Street Pastors carried out their last ever shift after operating for 14 years.
“It's a shame,” said coordinator Kathy Howe, “it's very much needed out there - there are vulnerable people out there for all sorts of different reasons.”
In 2023, the charity says it helped 120 people. It took 23 to its ‘Safe Space’ bus, and five to hospital.
The charity describes itself as “Christians rolling up their sleeves and getting involved in practically responding to the problems of crime and safety.”
"It's really challenging work but it's fun too because you meet so many lovely people, those out partying, the door staff, the police," Julie Judson said.
"I get more hugs and handshakes working in the night-time economy than anywhere else."