We were pleased to host our annual Supporters’ Evening on Thursday 21st September at The Arc. The event saw close to one hundred supporters from across the community come together to reflect on the year’s achievements and discover the charity’s plans for the future.
Michèle Price, CEO of The Winchester Beacon, shared recent stories and personal achievements of residents who receive tailored one-to-one support to help them to escape homelessness for good. It was revealed that in the coming 12 months, the charity hopes to expand its services to enable it to better meet demand.
“We plan to increase our accommodation so that we can support more of the referrals from the council. The coming year will also see us focus on increasing our ongoing support for residents when they leave The Winchester Beacon to ensure their move to independent living is successful.”
The evening also included an insight into the national picture of homelessness with guest speaker, Rick Henderson, CEO of Homeless Link.
A number of long-serving volunteers were recognised with awards presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire. Jo James, James Dickens and the pupils of Winchester College have all given their time to the charity as volunteers for twenty years.
The event was also a celebration of the contribution of Michèle Price who will be retiring as CEO in early 2024. The Lord-Lieutenant, Nigel Atkinson, Esq, paid tribute to Michèle’s outstanding work which was met by a standing ovation from the audience.
Photos by Camilla Winter
