Street Pastors - Dagneham

Street Pastors: A Beacon of Hope and Support in Dagenham, United Kingdom

Nestled in the heart of Dagenham, in the eastern part of London, lies the Bethel London's Riverside Church, home to an exceptional initiative known as the Street Pastors. This community-focused project, operated by the church, has been tirelessly working to create a safer and more caring environment for the local community. Let's delve into the details of this commendable service.

Main Services

• Community Safety: Street Pastors provide a visible presence on the streets, acting as a deterrent to anti-social behavior and a source of comfort and reassurance to those who feel vulnerable. They work closely with the police to help reduce crime and create a safer environment.
• Conflict Resolution: Trained in conflict resolution, Street Pastors intervene in potentially volatile situations, helping to calm and defuse conflicts before they escalate. Their approach is always peaceful and aims to preserve the dignity of all parties involved.
• Listening Ear and Practical Help: Street Pastors are trained listeners who offer a non-judgmental ear to those who need someone to talk to. They also provide practical help, such as food, clothing, and signposting to other relevant services.
• Food Bank: In partnership with Trussell Trust, Street Pastors operate a food bank from the church, providing emergency food parcels to those in crisis. They also offer support to help people address the underlying issues that led to their crisis.

Location and Access

The Bethel London's Riverside Church is situated at 25 Parsloes Ave, Dagenham RM9 5PT, United Kingdom. It is conveniently located near the A13 and is easily accessible by public transportation. The 173, 174, and 364 bus routes all stop nearby. For those traveling by train, Dagenham East and Dagenham Heathway stations are within walking distance. The church offers ample parking space for visitors, including dedicated disabled parking bays.

Featured Characteristics

• Wheelchair Accessibility: The church ensures that all its facilities are wheelchair accessible, with a ramp leading to the entrance and adapted toilet facilities.
• Multilingual Support: Street Pastors strive to serve the diverse community of Dagenham. They offer support in various languages, including English, Urdu, Punjabi, and Polish.
• Partnerships: Street Pastors work closely with local authorities, police, and other voluntary organizations to provide a holistic approach to community support.

Practical Information

The Street Pastors can be reached via telephone at 020 8593 2241. While there is no official website for the Street Pastors, their services are extensively detailed on the Bethel London's website.

Opening times for the food bank are as follows:

• Monday: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
• Wednesday: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
• Friday: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Positive Aspects from Reviews

The Street Pastors have received an overwhelmingly positive response from the community, with an average rating of 5/5 on Google My Business. Here are some of the positive aspects highlighted in the reviews:

• Compassionate and Caring: Reviewers commend the Street Pastors' compassion, care, and genuine concern for the community. They are praised for their willingness to listen and offer support without judgment.
• Visible Presence on the Streets: Many reviewers mention the reassuring presence of Street Pastors on the streets, helping to make the community feel safer and more connected.
• Effective Conflict Resolution: The Street Pastors' ability to defuse conflicts and intervene in potentially dangerous situations is highlighted as a significant contribution to the community's wellbeing.
• Practical Help and Signposting: Reviewers appreciate the practical help and support offered by Street Pastors, including food parcels, clothing, and guidance to other services.

The Street Pastors at Bethel London's Riverside Church are a testament to the power of community spirit and volunteerism. Their dedication to creating a safer, more caring environment for the people of Dagenham is commendable and deeply appreciated by the community they serve.

👍 Reviews of Street Pastors