AS the next milestone for the setting up of a Street Pastors scheme in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area comes ever closer, recruitment of volunteers has already begun.

The official launch of the Churches of Lochgelly Cowdenbeath and Kelty (CLoCK) Street Pastors will take place on Friday 3rd October at 2.30pm, and will be held in the Cowdenbeath North Church of Scotland at Kelty Junction.

Both the co-ordinator, Wilma Aitcheson, and chairman of CLoCK, Rev Jon Magee, have been encouraged with the response so far, and would extend an open invitation to all the community to attend the launch.

Said Rev Magee, “For those wishing to be involved, there is not just the teams that will be on the street, but also a support network of those who can provide a welcome cup of tea or coffee or hot soup for the Pastors as they return from a cold night patrolling the streets as well as a team that will support them in prayer.

“In time, it is envisaged that the vision can discover further ways of supporting our community, and as the vision develops the wider concept will be shared through the local media”. Councillor Judy Hamilton, who has seen Street Pastors working in her own town of Kirkcaldy, is equally pleased to see the support in the community branching out even further.

She said, “I have worked with Street Pastors in Kirkcaldy - and seen for myself the difference that they make, and heard from young people a lot of positive things and I can commend the Street Pastor initiative to you; and ask all the community to get behind the initiative and support your local Street Pastors.” Street pastors are trained volunteers from local churches who care about their community.

The initiative is a means of caring, listening, and helping those in need in a non judgemental manner.

They patrol in teams of men and women, often on a Friday and Saturday night, to care for, listen to and help people who are out on the streets.

Concluded Rev Magee, “The times and dates in our locality will be confirmed as we get nearer the time.

“Though the official launch takes place on the 3rd October there will still be some training to be completed before the Street Pastors will be seen on our streets, possibly in the new year”.