School Pastor initiative receives cash boost from city council
A new initiative to provide pastoral support to four Stanmore schools has received a grant from Winchester City Council.
The School Pastor initiative, launched at the start of the year by Winchester Street Pastors, is all about building relationships between students, staff and School Pastors to promote young peoples’ engagement with the local community.
The work of the School Pastors focuses on positive outcomes for young people, as well as supporting the work of the Winchester Community Safety Partnership to increase the feeling of safety among Winchester communities.
The £1250 grant, provided by the City Council’s Neighbourhood Services and Community Engagement team, will provide the new Pastors with uniforms and training.
Winchester Street Pastor Coordinator Mark Hibbert-Hingston said:
"Since we launched Street Pastors in 2011 our Council has supported us with finances where possible.
“We value the partnership we have with the Council and the police very highly. This grant of £1,250 has been a great help as we launch School Pastors."
Leader of the council Cllr Martin Tod said:
"It's always reassuring to see the Winchester Street Pastors out and about in the centre on a Friday and Saturday night. It's a great idea that they're taking that same calm and peaceful presence into our local schools - although for different reasons.
“I'm delighted that the Council has been able to provide funding to help get the School Pastor initiative up and running."