News

One of Inverclyde’s members of the Scottish Youth Parliament joined Inverclyde Rail Pastors recently on trains on the Wemyss Bay line, used by lots of young people, plus the last train from Paisley to Gourock so see how the Rail Pastors operate.

Matthew Quinn greatly appreciated the experience and said, ‘I thoroughly enjoyed being out across Inverclyde observing the Rail Pastors. This experience was eye-opening and worthwhile. Thank you to the Rail Pastors for ensuring that local young people are well-attended to and for dedicating their time to the service of others.’

Matthew was able to listen to one of the ticket collectors on the train tell of how her life was held intact with the help of youth workers, where otherwise she believed she could have gone the wrong way. Chris Jewell from Inverclyde Rail Pastors added ‘This was a very helpful chat and we able to also chat with a number of people on the trains both younger and older who were glad to find us on the trains as we act as a reassuring presence.’

For contact:

Matthew Quinn  email: Matthew.Quinn.MSYP@sypmail.org.uk

For Inverclyde Rail Pastors: Chris Jewell 07932 154515 email inverclyde@streetpastors.org.uk

The Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, came out on patrol with Falkirk Street Pastors on Saturday 21 December. He said, ‘I would like to say a special thank you to John, Joanne and Rachel who took us on patrol, on what was a horrendous night weather wise. My admiration for the work the Street Pastors do has grown, even more so, knowing that they are out in all weathers caring for people in their community.

‘My thanks to all connected with the Street Pastors for their ongoing commitment and passion.’

The CEO of Scotland’s Street Pastors Chris Jewell said, ‘We were delighted that the Moderator and his Chaplain were able to be out with our Falkirk Street Pastors patrol and see and feel firsthand all that they do.’

The Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, came out on patrol with our Glasgow Street Pastors on Friday 8th November. He said, ‘My chaplain, Robbie Hamilton, and I were so impressed by the approach the Street Pastor team took to their duties and the way they interacted with the people on the streets of the City Centre and at the West End.  It was wonderful to be with them all and to repeatedly hear the words of thanks as well as comments about the Street Pastors doing such a great job – even from those not requiring any input from the team.  The respect that the Street Pastors have earned over the years was evident and as an organisation they should be very proud of all that they do.’

The CEO of Scotland’s Street Pastors Chris Jewell said, ‘We were delighted that the Moderator and his Chaplain were able to be out with our Glasgow Street Pastors patrol and see and feel firsthand all that they do.’

Bethany Lunn, PA to Ascension Trust Scotland CEO Chris Jewell, married Quentin Ma in the Kilmacolm Old Kirk on Saturday 16th November 2024. This was a delightful wedding at which Chris, Linda Burke, a Director of ATS and Mary Pollard a former volunteer with the charity were able to attend.

We all wish Bethany and Quentin God’s richest blessings every day in their new life together.

Chris Jewell (ATS CEO) is presenting another fundraising webinar open to all Ascension Trust and ATS Coordinators, Management team and all others involved in your fundraising. Joining instructions for all the Ascension Trust training sessions can be found on AscensionTrustTraining.org. You can sign up for the fundraising session here.

One piece of information we will highlight is the value of sponsored sporting challenges, which remain an important way that people get behind a cause and show their support. The Kiltwalk is a significant Scottish opportunity for sponsored walk fundraising, and Kiltwalk have announced they are open for registration in 2025.

The Rail Pastor team patrolled with Bishop John Keenan on Friday 1st November had a great evening together in Inverclyde and Paisley. The Bishop listened to people, cared for and helped people alongside observing Street Pastors.
Read more here:

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/bishop-joins-rail-pastors-team-142536109.html?

Shaw Anderson, Chairman and Chris Jewell, Chief Executive of Street Pastors in Scotland had a very useful time yesterady with the Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, Moderator of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh to look at opportunities to highlight and develop more Street Pastors. The Moderator will be joining two Street Pastor patrols later in the year.

The Rail Pastors recently encountered the mother of a young person who thanked Street and Rail Pastors for helping this person decide not to take their own life, during a previous conversation.

Photo owned by Scotrail.