Good Samaritans will be patrolling city centre streets to help clubbers after a night out.
The Street Pastor scheme will see volunteers from churches across Manchester help revellers who have had too much to drink.
They will also offer emotional support, and will even hand out flip flops to girls who’ve taken off uncomfortable high heels.
The scheme, launched today, will put uniformed pastors in the Piccadilly and Northern Quarter areas on Friday and Saturday nights from mid-April.
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Andy Willis, Manchester’s Street Pastor co-ordinator, who lives in Ardwick, said: “People have heard of the Good Samaritan and that is what we want to be. We won’t be there to preach the Bible, just help people who have had too much to drink, need help getting a bus or taxi home, or directions.
“People also tend to talk about things they wouldn’t normally bring up when they’ve had a drink and we will be there just for a chat as well.” The scheme, which has already been a success in cities such as Derby and Birmingham, has been welcomed by police in Manchester.
GMP city centre inspector Mike Coombes said: “It is great news. Together, our aim is to make sure everyone can have a safe time here and with extra eyes and ears we hope that people will be less vulnerable to becoming a victim of crime.”
If you are interested in becoming a Street Pastor call 0161 273 2888 or email manchestercitycentre@streetpastors.org.uk to find out more.
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What could possibly go wrong?
It's a nice idea, but unfortunately, these people are putting themselves at grave risk of being beaten up by drunken yobs.
ithink this is an excellent idea,even if it only helps one distressed person who is the worse for drink and could be in danger and vulnerable,that is good.I am a christian but hope they do not ram home the message,just do it in a subtle way,letting the people know it is being done in Jesus' name.It is for the individual to decide.Bev Taylor.
If they're just going to Good Samaritans, then fair enough, but if any of them do have a crack at being preachy then I can see it being a tad inciting.
I hope they keep themselves safe - the NQ crowd has altered of late, with some of the mouth-breather idiots you find in other parts of Manchester deciding to import their idiocy.
Anyone else recall when the Guardian Angels had a Manchester branch?
WHAT?? To get drunk is ones own choice, to be homeless or suffer domestic violence isnt! Do-Gooders, where are your priorities?? Give to those who actually need it, not some self inflicted drunk who spent half their wage on shoes that kill their feet! Im disgusted, surely there are better ways to help people in the city than to focus on those who have a choice weather to drink or not!
This will end in tears for one of them. You can't reason with a drunk, violent or other. Hope they are trained enough to know when to move along and out of danger.
No kind act goes unpunished
Welcome to the UK, get drunk, take drugs, eat junk food because there will always be a do gooderto sponge off,
How about smacking them in the head with the Good Book?
We don't need them and they are just like those in Leeds and London who profess to be thee to help people in times of need or help after having a night out. That might be their publicity for the papers but they are bible bashers, nothing more and nothing less. If they just concerned about helping others why not join with other non religious agencies to help those on the streets? I will tell you why, they want to ram religion and Christianity down your throat. What the betting that after speaking with a drunk the trust a flyer for one of their churches in your hand? If the council are stopping the Charity muggers they should to the same with these religious muggers. And don't give me the quote that religion will save the world. Tens of Millions have died and are dying in the name of their religion. The world will be better off without religion.