Street Chaplains

Street Chaplains WA content

What is a Street Chaplain?

The most common question we hear while patrolling the streets is:
“What is a Street Chaplain?”
Our Chaplains might reply with “Someone who helps people”
or “We care for you when it matters”

WE ARE ALL VOLUNTEERS

Street Chaplains WA is overseen by “Western Urban Associates (WA)” which is a fully incorporated not-for-profit association of Christian people who have come together from various churches to answer God’s call to be ‘Good Samaritans’.

Street Chaplains are compassionate Christians who understand the streets well and work alongside a range of other service providers such as the Police, Paramedics, CCTV and Indigenous services.

All our Street Chaplains are accredited at the end of specialised training and hold a contract for voluntary service.

A Street Chaplain’s goal is to help people in need by showing compassion through acts of kindness. The opportunities to do so on the streets are endless.

Resources they carry include first aid equipment, water bottles, vomit bags, wet wipes, blankets, “flip-flops”/thongs etc.

OUR VISION

The vision of Street Chaplains WA is to provide a safe environment for people, whether they be patrons enjoying a night out, or rough sleepers seeking help on the streets. The aim is to be ‘Good Samaritans’ to those in need, not preaching at people, but to care, protect and ensure people get the assistance they need. The simple agenda is to love and care. Street Chaplains respect the range of cultural traditions, affiliations and religious views in the community and are approachable by people of all beliefs.

BECOMING A STREET CHAPLAIN

Street Chaplains are Christians who are actively involved in a Christian church. When a person applies to do the training to become a Street Chaplain, references are required from their church leaders. Currently over twenty denominations are represented in the Street Chaplain community. We also have a good relationship with the WA Heads of Churches.

For further information on becoming a Street Chaplain go to the Training page.

JOIN US

TALK TO US ON FACEBOOK

WHAT DO STREET CHAPLAINS DO?

Street Chaplains will offer first aid, a listening ear, help to those who are rough sleepers, provide assistance in getting an Uber or taxi and looking out for the vulnerable or those who have become separated from their friends. Street Chaplains work alongside existing networks of support, which includes Police, Ambulance Services, Nyoongar Outreach, Child Protection Street Workers and other emergency services.

A Street Chaplain can facilitate access to many support agencies in the community, both religious-based and secular, as requested by individuals.

The activities undertaken by Street Chaplains may include, but are not limited to:

  • Providing first aid
  • Facilitating the safety and maintaining the dignity of vulnerable individuals
  • Providing guidance to people in crisis or conflict
  • Assisting the Police in maintaining a peaceful environment
  • Providing support in cases of inebriation or drug overdose
  • Being a compassionate ear to people wanting to talk about their problems or concerns
  • Supporting people who may wish to explore their spirituality
  • Providing guidance on religious values and ethical matters

HELP US TO HELP PEOPLE

Anton van HeerdenStreet Chaplains