Street Chaplaincy

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This project started in 2009 as the founders of our work put their feet first on the ground. It started with and has been for many years City Centre Chaplaincy where amazing volunteers have engaged with people in and around the city centre who want to talk. There is much loneliness, sadness, grief and worry for people and our Chaplains are gentle to respond to this. Sometimes, it only takes a person to spend some time listening to give new hope for the day.

During the Summer of 2022, Street Pastors and City Centre Chaplaincy volunteers merged under the new banner of Street Chaplains. You will see Street Chaplains out in our city talking to people, giving out gifts, listening to those in need, praying where asked to do so and much more.

The project helps to improve the feelings of safety for everyone within the community, especially in public spaces and the night-time economy, and for women. The Street Chaplains are in active partnership with emergency services increasing opportunities for Christians to outwork their faith alongside many aspects of city life.

Welcomed into local pubs, Street Chaplains are there for anyone who would appreciate a chat or prayer, these moments have brought much comfort to people enabling them to share any stresses or worries, such as having loved ones in hospital or separation from family members. Many have commented how much they appreciate having the option of someone to talk to should they ever need it.

“The Street Chaplains have become an integral part of the Christian missional response in our city. Led by an amazing co-ordinator, and with passionate and caring volunteers they endeavour to put their faith into practice through reaching out to people wherever they are and whatever their circumstances.” Very Revd Chris Dalliston, Dean of Peterborough

Following the request from the police, we now also have chaplains who are active in Peterborough’s Central Park. Every Friday, they offer a friendly smile and a listening ear to those wanting to chat. By making these visits every week, friendships are sometimes formed with regular park goers which provides comfort to them. To help make the park more pleasant, they also collect rubbish. They have even discovered and removed a machete from the park preventing it being used for violent crime.

“I enjoy meeting and talking to new people, you get to know some of them quite well over time as they regularly visit the park.” Sheila, Street Chaplain

Chaplains also work directly with those who provide services to the homeless. We have had many instances where someone has come to our Garden House distraught and struggling with their emotions, Street Chaplains have been there to listen and provide the support needed to the individual. Their communication skills and experience of supporting others are invaluable in moments like these.

Do I need to be a member of a church?

Yes! Ideally you're a member of your local church for six months and be able to get a reference from your church minister/small group leader.

Do I need to pray with people?

Yes, we do pray for people, but don’t worry if you have never prayed for someone before, it’s just having a conversation with God with them. We tend to pray quietly and discreetly so that the person you are praying with does not feel uncomfortable or have people staring at them. You will be given guidance and not just thrown in at the deep end!

I wouldn’t know what to say if someone is upset, will I get training?

Yes, we believe that God will give you the words to say in difficult conversations, but we also will help you learn what to say in common situations. You also will be paired with someone so that you can learn from them.

Will I be on my own?

No, we never go into town on our own. A team must always have a minimum of two people as we think this if very important for accountability. It also helps if one person is struggling with what to say the other person can step in. We all learn from each other and when we have teams of three, we always encourage the third person to be actively praying silently for the situations/people we are with. The only time a Street Chaplain will work as a sole chaplain is if they are in a team of other professionals or based in a hub/pub where the management is on call/people around.

Will I have a uniform? Is it expensive?

Yes, once you have completed your training you will be given a uniform to wear. We do not charge for this, however, if you leave the Street Chaplaincy team we do ask that it is returned to the Street Chaplain Co-Ordinator so that it can be used for another Street Chaplain.

When do the chaplains go out? Do I need to commit to go out every week?

We have a variety of days when Street Chaplains go out, the most common days are Fridays and Wednesdays, but there are other times too. Some people go out every week, others can only commit to once a month which is okay. We just ask that you let us know your availability and that we know when you are coming out and let us know if you are unable to make it.

I can’t walk far/I’m not very mobile, could I still be a street chaplain?

Yes, although Street Chaplains do tend to walk around the City Centre or Central Park etc, we do have roles which involve sitting and chatting with people. This could be with Asylum Seekers, in a pub, or one of the church based warm hubs etc. We want everyone to be safe and comfortable in what they are doing so if you are not comfortable in walking/standing for long periods, then just be honest and we can look at what roles there are which you will be comfortable in.

Interested in becoming a Street Chaplain?

What’s it like being a Street Chaplain

Hear from Gill and La Shondra, two of our Street Chaplains, as they explain how they got involved with LPP and their experiences so far.