SATURDAY marked a new milestone in care for the local area as the first local Street Pastors were commissioned for Lochgelly, Cowdenbeath, and Kelty.

After several months of intense training a team of 12 Street Pastors were welcomed into post whilst recognising that to increase the effectiveness for the area there will be more Street Pastors required to be trained up over the coming year.

The Street Pastors were all present at a service held at St Serf’s Church, in Lochgelly, before they went out on Saturday evening. Representing the political dimension of the area, Fife Councillor Judy Hamilton was present both as one who has seen the effectiveness of the work with the eyes of a councillor and as a Street Pastor herself, and also as a representative of her colleague Kenny Selbie, the Labour candidate for the Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath seat, as was also Roger Mullin, candidate for the SNP.

Both of them indicated that irrespective of political party, all politicians recognised that Street Pastors have proved themselves to be vital to the life of society in Scotland.

PC Fiona Menzies, representing Police Scotland, commended the Street Pastors in the new work, appreciating the willingness for volunteers to become involved in supporting the community. Police statistics have shown that where Street Pastors have operated it has been to the benefit of the whole of society. The act of commissioning was carried out by Sandy Scrimgeour, CEO with Ascension Trust (Scotland) As has been reported already, Street Pastors are available to help and listen, without being judgemental. As they seek to support the community it was indicated that they will require help from the community as well.

One of the ways the community can give support is through the fund raising required.

In that connection there will be a Coffee Afternoon on Saturday 25th April at Cowdenbeath North Church.

For those able to give support the event will take place at 1pm to 3pm, in Beath and Cowdenbeath North Church.