A team of volunteers who keep revellers in Peterhead safe has expanded – and opened a safe house for those in need.
Peterhead Street Pastors have welcomed seven newly-trained community helpers to the team.
The pastors will be based in the new safe space at Compass Point, on the town’s Back Street, which is available to anyone who needs some help after a night out.
The Christian group helps the community by patrolling the streets every Saturday night from 10pm to 4am with water, flip flops, blankets and first aid.
They have designated spaces to listen, help and care without making any judgements.
Frances Scott, coordinator of the Peterhead Pastors, said: “We are delighted to add seven new pastors to our team.
“We are so thankful to the partners at Compass Point for allowing us to use their premises on Saturday nights as this gives us the opportunity to extend the help we offer.
“This will be a place where anyone can drop in, have a cuppa and a confidential chat.
“Street pastors will be there with a caring heart, a listening ear and a helping hand.
“The kettle will always be on.”
The team, which is part of a global project, is supported by its own fundraising efforts.
Local councillor Anne Allan said it was “wonderful” the team was expanding, and added: “They are a group that does so much for the town and I’m delighted to see how many of them there now are.
“I’m quite sure the safe space will be well used as it’s somewhere to take people who need a quiet moment or a chance to speak.
“Part of the job is helping people who need to have a quiet word with someone and having a place like this is perfect, much better than trying to stand chatting in a door way on the street.
“The new members and space will be a great addition to what they already do.”