TWENTY-TWO school pastors and three new street pastors will be commissioned by Alcombe Methodist Church this month.

The school pastors have been working in West Somerset College over the last three years and the scheme is now being relaunched, with additional volunteers and a thorough training programme.

School pastors are there to listen to, care for and help young people. At present they are around the college on Monday and Friday lunchtimes as a reassuring and friendly presence, willing to listen to any student who might feel unable at that time to talk to a parent or teacher.

They work to enhance the safety and emotional well-being of the students, and they add to the support given by teaching staff and school counsellors.

Lynne Wooldridge, member of the School Pastor Steering group said: "The commissioning of the school pastors marks the end of a long journey of faith which has seen us go from a small number of volunteers in a pilot pastor scheme to a strong voluntary team who have been fully equipped to fulfil their role by the excellent training we have received from Ascension Trust and College personnel.

"We are so proud to have our new uniforms and to be identified with the national school pastor scheme."

Street pastors are a familiar sight on the streets of Minehead on Saturday nights. They are around to talk to anyone who is out in the early hours of the morning, providing a listening ear and practical help to those who need it and working alongside the police and other local groups.

Ian Candy, chair of the Street Pastors Management Group said: "Minehead Street Pastors, which has been working in the town since 2011, welcomes the school pastors initiative into its family. Together we aim to serve our community by listening, caring and helping."

The Commissioning Service is on April 20th at Alcombe Methodist Church, Minehead, at 5.30pm. The new school and street pastors will be welcomed in their new role in the community by staff from West Somerset College and other local organisations along a representative from the Ascension Trust.