Daniel Zeichner MP Standing up for Cambridge
Daniel Zeichner, MP for Cambridge, and the Right Revd Stephen Conway, Bishop of Ely, will be joining the Cambridge Street Pastors this Friday (27th April 2018) from just before midnight to witness first-hand the support they provide to late night revellers. This will be the second time Mr Zeichner has joined the Street Pastors during a patrol and it will be an opportunity to see how the night-time economy and community operates.
The Cambridge Street Pastors are made up of a team of volunteers that patrol the city centre on Friday and Saturday nights between 10pm and 4am. They have been operating in the city since 2009 and can be recognised by their blue jackets. During their patrols they help anybody that may be in a difficult situation. Support varies from offering flip flops to women who may not be able to walk in high heels anymore, providing bottles of water or even blankets to people that may be feeling the cold.
Mr Zeichner says: “I am very grateful to the Street Pastors for letting me join them once again on one of their patrols. Walking up and down the streets of the city centre is something I am quite accustomed to as a longstanding resident, but not so much at 12 o’clock at night. I can tell you the city centre looks quite different at that time and people can get themselves into some very difficult situations.”
“The Street Pastors are providing great support to those using the night-time economy and the interventions they are making could just prevent someone from getting into more serious trouble later on in the evening I encourage anyone who may find themselves in need of some help on a night out to reach out to a Street Pastor.”
Mark Strivens, Director of Cambridge Street Pastors, said: “Street Pastors are privileged to work in the night-time economy amongst the many visitors and residents of the city of Cambridge, helping any in need irrespective of who they are. Cambridge is an attractive destination for many looking for a good night out, unfortunately for a small percentage a night out may mask issues relating to substance and alcohol abuse, broken relationships, domestic violence and mental-health challenges. Trained Street Pastors meet people as their point of need providing care, help and listening ear throughout the year.”
“We are very grateful to Daniel Zeichner and Bishop Stephen for their support and encouragement in our work; we would welcome other leaders and members of Parliament to come and see the night-time economy at first hand.”