On a busy Friday in Chandler's Ford, Steve met up with Paul Smith of Street Pastors, in Asante, to discuss the work that the organisation carries out for young people.
Street Pastors is an inter-denominational Church response to urban problems, engaging with people on the streets to care, listen and dialogue.
It was pioneered in London in January 2003 by Rev Les Isaac, Director of the Ascension Trust, and has seen some remarkable results, including drops in crime in areas where teams have been working. There are now over 100 teams around the United Kingdom.
Speaking afterwards, on his way to a packed surgery, Steve said: “It was excellent to get an update from the coordinator and hear how it's going 4 months in. Feedback I receive on Street Pastors in Chandler's Ford is excellent, and having met them I can see why.
"What they do is never a replacement for parental control or good neighbourhood policing but it's fast becoming an invaluable part of the big society the new Government is keen to build."
Pictured; Eastleigh Street Pastors co-ordinator Steve Smallwood with some of the team
