Published at 11:13, Thursday, 05 July 2012

IN a society where time is precious, where every second counts, a team of Christians is preparing to voluntarily patrol the streets of Whitehaven at night in a bid to help others.

Members of different churches in the town will be going out, in their own time, over the weekends to be good Samaritans and lend a hand to those who need it – be it practical help, a shoulder to cry on or someone to talk to.

The team of Haven Saints hopes to make a difference in the community by helping people in vulnerable situations. While this might seem like a common sense approach, for many people it is easier to keep yourself to yourself and not get involved.

This group aims to buck the trend and be there when people need them. It is clear that the group will not be taking over the role of the police – they will simply be on hand to offer help to passers-by if needed.

One of the volunteers said for him the initiative is about taking the church where it should be, onto the streets. It’s encouraging to see people who want to help in their community – and if that means staying up until 3am in the morning to help someone who has lost their taxi fair home, then so be it.

Results from other successful schemes around the country show that crime can be reduced, that volunteers have a calming influence and that groups can work with businesses and organisations, including the police.

If it means a safer environment Let’s hope this initiative is equally successful and more volunteers get involved in this upcoming community venture.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk