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Lending a compassionate ear - and some flip-flops

Feature on Perth's Street Pastors. "It is midnight on the streets of Perth and four women are teetering arm-in-arm along the High Street, giggling and animated. Like most of the revellers, they've had a few drinks and seem in good spirits. The friends spot two men dressed in dark jackets and caps which bear the words "Street Pastors". Tonight, the pastors are accompanied by a photographer. One woman gleefully steals the pastor's cap and, laughing, puts it on as she grabs the pastor and demands to be photographed.

"Only once the camera stops flashing does she stand back, read the jacket and ask the men what they are doing. Calmly, the pastors repeat the explanation that they have given dozens of times that evening: they are members of various local churches who give up Saturday nights to walk the streets of Perth, speaking to people who need someone to listen.

"The atmosphere changes. The woman's face crumples and tears collect in her eyes. "So you're Christians?" she asks, her voice cracking. "Well, can you tell me why my brother killed himself on Christmas Day? You tell me how I'm ever supposed to get over that." It transpires that this is the first time she has been out since the tragedy and is, beneath her lively demeanor, overwhelmed by grief. The pastors are listening to her but her friends are keen to get to the next pub - they don't want to see their friend upset and without coats they're feeling the cold. They disappear into the night."

Full extensive feature at The Herald.