## **WREXHAM STREET PASTORS 2024 ANNUAL REPORT** ## **Introduction** “It’s always sunny in Wrexham,” as the Declan Swans so memorably sang – a line that has become part of our city’s character. Over the past year, that sunshine has not only been in the skies but also in the spirit of our community. The infectious positivity brought by Wrexham AFC’s Hollywood owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, coupled with the club’s promotion to the EFL Championship – the second tier of English football – has given our city a renewed sense of pride and purpose. The ripple effects are clear: tourists now arrive in greater numbers, camera phones in hand, seeking the sights, sounds, and stories of our streets. The atmosphere in the city centre has an unmistakable buzz, although the presence of empty shopfronts is still a reminder that there is work to be done to create a fuller, richer high street experience. The night-time economy has shown modest improvement, though it continues to face challenges. The closure of the main nightclub and the ongoing pressures of the cost of living mean that the once-regular queues for late-night venues are now mostly seen at month’s end. Nevertheless, Saturday evenings remain relatively calm, with limited reports of antisocial behaviour. The partnership between the Police, the Night Safe door staff, the council’s contracted medical team, and ourselves – the Wrexham Street Pastors – remains strong and effective. Working side by side, we have been able to respond swiftly to incidents, offer practical help, and provide a reassuring presence for residents and visitors alike. ## **Trustee Meetings and Social Events** Over the course of the year, three Board of Trustees meetings were held, chaired as always by Gareth Jones – one of our founder members from 2006 – whose steady leadership and encouragement continue to guide our work. We began the year with a social gathering that brought together trustees, prayer partners, and street pastors. This was an opportunity not only to express our heartfelt thanks for everyone’s continued commitment but also to look ahead with hope that we might welcome new volunteers into our ranks. In the final quarter, our annual social barbecue proved a popular event, drawing friends and supporters together in fellowship. We closed the year with a simple yet uplifting gathering at Hope Street Church – the very place from which we set out each Saturday evening – a fitting way to end the year on a positive and prayerful note. Throughout the year, a weekly Street Pastor and Prayer Partner update, along with the rota, ensured that our team stayed informed, connected, and ready for service. On behalf of the Trustees and the Steering Group, we wish to express our sincere gratitude to each and every Wrexham Street Pastor volunteer for the dedication and support you have shown throughout the year. Your willingness to serve – often in challenging conditions – is deeply valued. We also extend heartfelt thanks to our Prayer Partners, whose steadfast intercession for the Street Pastors and related initiatives underpins everything we do. While our team currently operates with reduced numbers – 18 active Street Pastors – we have still been able to send out patrols on most Saturday evenings. This consistent presence is a testament to the commitment of our volunteers, some of whom travel from Denbigh, Mold, and Weston Rhyn to serve. Each is an active member of their own church community, and together they embody the unity of different congregations working side by side to serve and care for the people of Wrexham. As the Wrexham Street Pastor Coordinator, I would like to add my own heartfelt thanks to all our Street Pastors, Prayer Partners, and everyone who plays a part in supporting our work. Your dedication, encouragement, and partnership make it possible for us to be a consistent presence in Wrexham’s city centre on Saturday nights. We are especially grateful for the support of our valued partners – the Ascension Trust, Wrexham County Borough Council, North Wales Police, organisations within the nighttime economy, and those who have provided financial support over the years. Each of these partnerships is vital, ensuring that we have the resources, training, and collaborative relationships needed to serve effectively. **Operational Feedback – Wrexham Street Patrols Initiative (January 2024 – December 2024)** Over the past year, Wrexham Street Pastors carried out 37 patrols – three fewer than the previous year – supported by 16 active volunteers who took to the streets on Saturday evenings. In total, approximately 525 volunteer hours were given in service to our community, a remarkable demonstration of the team’s dedication. The data gathered from each patrol continues to affirm the positive role we play within Wrexham’s night-time economy. Across the year, we removed 465 glass bottles and 592 cans from the streets, handed out one space blanket, and provided 121 pairs of flip flops to grateful members of the public. In addition, we recorded 428 meaningful interactions or positive encounters – moments where we were able to offer practical help, listening ears, or simply a reassuring presence. Each of these actions, large and small, has contributed to making Wrexham a safer, calmer, and more welcoming place, while making a tangible difference in the lives of those we met. Wrexham Street Pastors have continued to work closely and positively with our night-time economy partners, all of whom share the goal of making Wrexham’s evenings safer. The Welfare Centre at HafanY-Dref, staffed on Saturday evenings by a private medical company appointed by the City Council, has been an invaluable resource. During the year, our patrol teams responded to five requests for assistance from the medical staff at the centre, whose professionalism and dedication have been outstanding. Since the appointment of the private medical company, we have noted a substantial reduction in the number of medically related incidents requiring our direct attention – a change that has allowed us to focus more on providing pastoral care and practical support in other areas. ## **General Community Support** Beyond their Saturday night duties, many of our Street Pastor volunteers have also served the wider Wrexham community through various other initiatives, demonstrating their deep commitment to making a positive difference in the city throughout the week. As Coordinator, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the support, commitment, and encouragement shown throughout the year. It has been a privilege to serve alongside such a dedicated and compassionate team. We also take this moment to say farewell to those who have chosen to retire from active service; we thank them for their invaluable contributions over the years and wish them every blessing for the future. To each and every one of you – whether you serve on the streets, pray faithfully from home, support us through partnership, or contribute in other ways – please accept my sincere thanks. Your ongoing encouragement and dedication are, as always, deeply appreciated. Many blessings. ## **Laurie Searle** Coordinator – Wrexham Street & School Pastors August 2025 Charity Number: 1162341 WREXHAM STREET PASTORS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR 31 DECEMBER 2024 Charlty numb•r 1162341 FINANSURE UMITED 2 Sheppawd Str￿[ Br￿nbo. Wrexhan. LL115FF WREXHAM STREET PASTORS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 CONTENTS PAGES Legal and adminislralive Informal￿n Reeéipls and payments aCC￿nts Sl816ment of assets arKI li8bilits.es Page 1 WREXHAM STRÉET PASTORS LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Charity numb•r 1162341 Organlsallon Wrexharn Street Paslors B a ChaIrtab￿ IncL¥porated or93ntsat￿ ICIOI first re9lStered wilh the Chanty ComM6s￿n for Er¥JLind and Waks on 22rd June 2015. 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