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HOMELESSNESS A HOT TOPIC FOR THE BISHOP!

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The Rt. Revd. Christopher Hill, Bishop of Guildford has visited Emmaus Projects, a local charity working with homeless young people. Emmaus Projects mission is to ‘empower homeless people and those facing adversity to achieve their full potential’ and the charity’s staff work to achieve this mission by providing a range of accommodation, support and training projects.

Working with over 300 young people every year, Emmaus Projects has a vital role to play in the community. This important contribution has been recognised by Bishop Christopher and since last year he has been Emmaus Projects’ patron.

Bishop Christopher said; "I was very impressed with the dedication of the staff at Emmaus and the tremendous support that they give to these vulnerable young people, both emotionally and practically".

During his visit Bishop Christopher met with young people attending Daylight, Emmaus Projects’ day centre for homeless and unemployed young people. He joined the young people in a discussion about mental health and issues affecting their lives. He also had a private meeting with a young man accessing support through Emmaus’ drug and alcohol support project, D’n’A.

Gary, who attends Daylight said; "It was good that the Bishop came along to visit us. He joined in our discussion and shared some of his past experiences concerning people he’d known suffering from alcoholism. It showed us he was normal."

Norman Ashcroft, Acting Chief Executive Officer for Emmaus Projects said; "We were delighted that the Bishop could take time out of his busy schedule to come and visit us. The young people felt a great sense of empathy and understanding from the Bishop and have expressed an interest in meeting with him again. We look forward to welcoming him to Emmaus Projects again in the near future."

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