Stafford Street Pastors, volunteers from over 10 churches in and around Stafford, have been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2024. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the Uk and is equivalent to an MBE.
Stafford Street Pastors is part of the UK wide Street Pastors network. Carrying rucksacks filled with lollies, water, flipflops and space blankets, they go out in Stafford, at the weekend and on strategic dates, such as New Year’s Eve and other particularly busy nights, to support those who may become vulnerable on a night out. All the Street Pastors are passionate about bringing God’s Love to the Community and demonstrating this with the non – judgmental care and compassion they give to those they meet.
Fulfilling the original vision for Street Pastors, of an ‘Urban Trinity’ of Church, Local Authority and Police, to keep the Community safe, Stafford Street Pastors work alongside the Police, the Borough Council and with other Christian Charities in Stafford to offer unique wrap around care for the Community. As well as looking out for the party goers on a night out, Stafford Street Pastors liaise with The House of Bread and The Youth Net, so that they are aware of the needs of anyone who may be vulnerable and need support. In addition, since 2022 the Stafford Street Pastors’ Safe Space Van has offered a place of security and warmth, to sort a problem, wait for a lift or just have a coffee and a chat!
Stafford Street Pastors is one of 281 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.
Recognising this outstanding work by local volunteer groups, The King’s Award for Voluntary Service was created in 2002. It was founded to celebrate Her Majesty The late Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. 2024 marks the second year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, the King’s Birthday. Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse and include volunteer groups from across the UK, such as mental health and wellbeing support network for veterans and their families in Yorkshire; a group preserving an historic 12th century castle in South Wales; volunteers providing English lessons for refugees in Stirling, and an organisation providing opportunities to engage in the Arts for people with learning disabilities in County Fermanagh.
Representatives of Stafford Street Pastors will receive the Award Crystal and Certificate from Ian Dudson, Lord – Lieutenant of Staffordshire, in December. In addition, two volunteers from Stafford Street Pastors will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May or June 2025, together with other recipients of this year’s Award.
The Rev. Trevor Partington, Chair of Stafford Street Pastors said: ” It is such an honour to receive this recognition. It is testament to the unfailing commitment of all those who have volunteered in Stafford as Street Pastors or Prayer Pastors since we started in 2009. This totals well over 100 people from so many of the Churches around Stafford. This award is for them all and for all their families who so generously support them in this work.”
