New 'Street Pastors' will be patrolling the Rugby streets at night to help people in need - just as the pubs start filling back up again

New 'Street Pastors will be patrolling the Rugby streets at night to help people in need - just as the pubs start filling back up again.

Despite the many Covid-19 lock-downs and restrictions over the past 17 months, Rugby Street Pastors have managed to finally complete the training of their latest cohort of seven recruits.

They were commissioned at a special service conducted by Pastor Jonathan Skelton, the chair of their management committee, at Rugby Elim Church on Sunday May 23.

With the reopening of the night time economy, these newly trained Street Pastors will now be able to join their teams to patrol Rugby town centre once a month, on either a Friday or Saturday night, from 10pm – 4am.

This brings the total number of volunteer Street Pastors to 45, patrolling in teams of four or five.

They offer support to those in need or just a friendly ear for those who want to chat.

Dawn Thurkettle, Rugby Street Pastors coordinator, said: "I am thankful for the positive relationship the churches have across Rugby working together to serve our community.

"The new Street Pastors have shown such commitment, grace and patience as we navigated the Covid restrictions to complete the necessary training modules so that they are safe and effective on the street. Welcome to the team!"