Leeds Churches
Street Chaplains
TeamsWe now have had to rearrange our proposed three teams in two teams. The two teams will be on the streets on the following dates
3rd July (Team 1) With more volunteers we might be able to have teams going out on more Fridays. If you would like to take part then contact the Revd Adrian Burdon. No one will be asked to do more than one Friday in any month. |
What is the Leeds Churches Street Chaplains Project?
The Leeds Churches Street Chaplains project was launched in November 2007 as an ecumenical Christian response by the churches across Leeds to the needs of people using the city centre. The work grew out of a growing awareness that Leeds is a vibrant and energetic twenty-four hour city. We recognised that people come to Leeds for many reasons – to work, to shop, to access the various services during the day and to enjoy the pubs and clubs during the night-time. We recognised that the City Centre churches are often open during the day, but rarely during the night.
Who are the Street Chaplains?
The Street Chaplains are all volunteers from a number of the Christian Churches across Leeds. There are presently representatives from the following churches:
- Leeds Methodist Mission (Oxford Place)
- Leeds Parish Church (St Peter's)
- Leeds Roman Catholic Cathedral (St Ann's)
- Chapel Allerton Methodist Church
- The Lutheran Church in West Yorkshire
- Holy Trinity Church of England, Boar Lane
Why are we doing this?
We are doing this because as Christian people we care about the needs of the people who come into the city centre. The Leeds Churches Street Chaplains project seeks to demonstrate a Christian presence by engaging with people on the streets and in the night-time venues in order to care, listen, converse and offer practical help.
When and where will you see us?
Street Chaplains, visible in their fluorescent tabards, will be found in the Boar Lane area of Leeds City Centre on as many Friday nights as we can raise teams to do the work. We will usually be seen in groups of three simply walking around amongst the folk who are out for the night. Feel free to approach us if we can be of any assistance.
What do we do?
The purpose of the Street Chaplains is to give assistance to anyone and everyone who finds themselves in need whilst in Leeds City Centre. We will give you directions to the next club on your itinerary, the nearest Cashpoint, the railway and bus station, or the taxi rank if you are unsure of your way around. If you get yourself into difficulties the Street Chaplains will try to help you out. If you have 'one too many' the Street Chaplain will try to help keep you from danger. Most importantly we will go away if you want us to!
Who do we work with?
The Leeds Churches Street Chaplains Project operates with the support of the West Yorkshire Police, British Transport Police, Leeds City Council Safer Leeds project. At present, the Street Chaplains are distributing 'night-time survival packs' supplied by the Safer Leeds project. Each pack includes a bottle of water to help you keep hydrated, a pair of flip-flops for when those high-heel begin to feel a little too high, and a pack of condoms recognising our common humanity and helping to keep you safe.
For further information about the Leeds Churches Street Chaplains contact:
The Rev Dr Adrian Burdon
Leeds Methodist Mission
Oxford Place
Leeds, LS1 3AX
Email: street.chaplains@btinternet.com
Text: 07766 227 631
Telephone: 0113 242 4951
