Torbay Street Pastors thank police for vital funding to help support safe nights out

Torquay Neighbourhood Police Team has secured £3,000 from the Home Office hotspot policing fund to support the important work of Torbay Street Pastors as they continue to help people who are on a night out.

The money, from a government problem solving fund, will be used by the small charity to buy essential supplies to keep their van stocked with important items such as water, hot drinks and clothing.

The pastor group relies on volunteers and supports anyone who needs them on a night out in the Torbay area.

Torquay Sector Inspector Rob Harvey explained: “The Torquay Street Pastors have been a familiar and reassuring presence on Torquay harbourside for around 17 years, dedicating their time to helping people stay safe on nights out. Their work includes providing practical support, such as assisting vulnerable individuals, offering reassurance, and helping people get home safely.

“This funding will help sustain and strengthen their vital contribution to reducing anti-social behaviour (ASB) and keeping our night-time economy safe for everyone. We would like to thank Torbay Street Pastors for their continued commitment to the local community.”

As part of the 2025/26 Hotspot Policing Initiative, a problem solving fund was made available to neighbourhood policing teams to support projects tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB).

Inspector Rob Harvey added “Torbay Street pastors provide a vital service to the evening and night time economy in Torquay and I'm extremely pleased to have secured this injection of funding to enable them to continue.”

The money helps to make sure safer nights in Torquay as the Street Pastor volunteers help out during busy evenings. They support police teams by being an additional friendly face that those in need can turn to.      

Jacqui Lyttle, Chair of Torbay Street Pastors for the past two years, added: "The funding we've been given is invaluable. It will fund our essential supplies around keeping the van stocked with water, hot drinks, clothing for those in need and the basic life-saving items that we need on a weekly basis.

“For the first time ever we've had to use our reserve funds, which is why this and any support is vital for our future. We are a small charity and want to keep giving the service we provide for years to come."

For more information on the work Torbay Street Pastors please visit Home - Torbay Street Pastors

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Pic caption: Torquay Sector Inspector Rob Harvey (right) presenting the funds to Torbay Street Pastor Chair Jacqui Lyttle.