I was impressed with Gillian Knight’s (Winchester City Council) considered response to the concern expressed by Beacon following the necessary cuts in the County Council and City’s budgets (Chronicle, June 30).

Whilst the Beacon and its Night Shelter now provide both invaluable emergency and ongoing support and have achieved a remarkably high profile, there are many other lesser known voluntary and social enterprise organisations also providing excellent services to homeless people.

Not least Emmaus Hampshire which supports people to work their way out of homelessness, providing meaningful work, training, emotional development and a stable home for as long as they may need it. They are highly successful in achieving full independent living for many individuals.

Whilst part of a long standing international organisation, Emmaus relies heavily on local financial donations, often in support of specific projects, for example its Winchester Branch, sited by the Winchester Household Waste and Recycling Centre at Bar End, has just increased its available accommodation and work opportunities to around 30 places.

There are also vibrant Emmaus branches in Eastleigh and Southampton. All three welcome interested visitors, with or without household or financial donations. Or your readers might just like to Google ‘Emmaus’ for more details.

As a former director of social services for the county council, I have always been incredibly impressed by the good will and generosity of Hampshire residents. In the ongoing economic crisis it is essential that a strategic, collaborative approach is maintained by the local authorities and independent sectors to ensure that the reduced funds are wisely allocated.

Terence Butler CBE MA,

Landsdowne Avenue,

Winchester

 

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