Each weekday, I arrive at the offices of Ignite. Most mornings I am the first to arrive. I treasure this as it allows me to begin this part of the day quietly. Normally, I have got up around 6.30am ensured the kids get to the school bus, done some chores and checked my emails and spent some time with God before I leave the house. This means that in the silence of the first 30 minutes or so I can reflect on the previous day, plan the current day. Catch up on some prayer requests...you know the ones where people say "can you just pray for.......". Inevitably I say yes but sometimes, I forget! So this is the time to remember. I may read the word of God and ask Him what he wants to speak into my life. More likely at this time of the day I will ask Him what HE wants me to share with the team. I also use this time to read books on Leadership, ministry and journals that will develop me professionally.

From Friday 21^st November, a group of Christians from churches all over Cardiff will be taking to the streets of as part of a new scheme called Street Pastors.

Every Friday night they between 10pm and 4am they will be on the streets mixing with late night revellers who are using the city’s pubs and clubs. They will look after those who are in need of assistance, offer a friendly ear, give out bottles of water and ensure people get safely home.

It is part of a national scheme that was developed in London by the Ascension Trust. It now operate in 60 towns and cities in the UK and 26 London Boroughs. The scheme is recommended and supported by the Home Office

Gary Smith, Director of Cardiff Street Pastors said:

“Street Pastors is about being good news to the people of Cardiff that are using bars, clubs and restaurants at the weekends. Whilst it our faith the motivates us to be out there we not going to be preaching at them, we are just there to help them.”

Although totally independent, it is being warmly welcomed by South Wales Police.

Chief Superintendent Josh Jones of South Wales Police, Divisional

Commander for Cardiff says

" The Safer Capital partnership is delighted to support the Street

Pastor initiative in Cardiff. Street pastors have already made a great

difference in terms of crime reduction where they have operated in other

parts of the UK. The nighttime economy in Cardiff is the busiest in

Wales and the Street Pastors will support those already involved in

making our capital city a safe place to visit. Having a team of trained

volunteers to work in Cardiff on busy weekends in support of those who

may be vulnerable or who need practical assistance is very welcome. I

would like to thank those who are giving up their own time to do this

and look forward to seeing them on our streets."

 Gary Smith stated:

“In setting up Street Pastors in Cardiff we wanted to develop an Urban Trinity between the church, the police and the local authority. We are delighted that they have been such active partners.”

Deputy Leader of Cardiff County Council, Councillor Judith Woodman said:

“I am delighted to see the introduction of the Street Pastor scheme in Cardiff city centre as part of the Safer Capital partnerships efforts to improve community safety - particularly in the run up to the busy Christmas period and New Year party season. These volunteers will be working closely with the Police and council services to try to prevent alcohol related crimes and anti social behaviour and to try and promote responsible drinking during the festive season and beyond. I am sure our city’s thriving night time economy will benefit from their presence and our streets will be safer as a result.”