The Countess of Wessex meets The Salvation Army
published on 7 Dec 2022
The Countess of Wessex paid a flying visit to The Salvation Army in Staffordshire recently to find out about a new Rough Sleeper Initiative.
Her Royal Highness dropped into the Newcastle-under-Lyme church to meet The Salvation Army officers, partners, volunteers and Council staff delivering the scheme to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping.
The Countess observed a typical Thursday morning session, with food and refreshments served by volunteers, while staff provided advice, a listening ear and practical support to those looking for accommodation.
The Countess also chatted with staff and service users at the project run by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and facilitated by The Salvation Army local church in Bridge Street. The Countess of Wessex met Major Julian Rowley, church leader and Krestal Al Daami, from Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.
Major Julian Rowley said: “The Salvation Army has the space to deliver services at the hub, where experienced support workers can offer help to people needing assistance. We are also on hand to offer pastoral support. Sometimes people need housing advice but sometimes a listening ear is just as important.
“It is a new venture started in September 2022, and we hope it will continue to meet the increasing demands placed upon agencies engaged in this area of community work.”
Two other homeless groups are run from the church in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Open Door run a hub on Tuesday morning and a homeless women’s group meets on Tuesday afternoons.
The Countess of Wessex is Patron of more than 70 charities and organisations. Her Royal Highness undertakes hundreds of visits to schools, universities, military bases and charities to learn more about their work, and to highlight it to the wider world.
