School Pastors coming to St Augustine Academy in Maidstone to support teenagers

School Pastors will be coming to a Kent secondary school this month to support students.

The church volunteers, who aim to help young people in local communities, will be adding St Augustine Academy in Oakwood Road, Maidstone, to its list of locations.

School Pastors spend time listening to the needs of young people and schools, building healthy relationships, and providing practical support and pastoral care.

They promote safety and aim to reduce anti-social behaviour.

The group says they are there to “listen, care and help young people to become good citizens”.

The scheme is organised by Ascension Trust, which also operates Street Pastors, and volunteers undergo training.

Currently, there are School Pastors in more than 30 locations across the UK, including in Gravesham and Tunbridge Wells, and more than 400 volunteers are in schools to assist them.

A launch event will be taking place at Maidstone Baptist Church at 7pm on Wednesday (August 6).

People are invited to come along to see how they can be a school pastor, school prayer pastor, fundraiser, admin assistant, social media lead, or to become part of the management team.

Depending on the number of volunteers they gain, further schools will be added to their list.

The first training session – focused on roles and responsibilities – will take place at Allington Baptist Church on October 4.