October CEO update
I am thrilled to share the success of the opening of the Robin Sykes Garden last month. This event was not just a celebration, but a lasting tribute to Robin’s monumental contributions to St. Paul’s Hostel. It was truly wonderful to witness our guests come together, to meet Sue, Ross, and Nick to honour his legacy and the positive impact he had on our community.
In recent months, our efforts to enhance the support we provide to our residents have borne fruit. Thanks to the government’s latest treatment grant, our residents are now benefiting from additional drug and alcohol treatment support. Our Peer Mentors, along with the excellent colleagues from Cranstoun, have been conducting frequent one-on-one visits to the hostel. This collaborative effort has been in the making since May 2022, and it is immensely gratifying to see the positive outcomes on the ground nearly 16 months after we started planning the service.
The Housing First service, now in its 4th year, is working well. Ginette, Sharon, Sara, Ian, Nikki, Carole, and Jane are some of the most knowledgeable staff in the County and we are delighted they are working with us. We are particularly pleased to have Ryan, who has experiences of homelessness, employed on the team. I have known Ryan for a couple of years and the change in him this role has brought, makes us all very proud. The next big event is the publication, after the summer break, of the evaluation undertaken by the University of Worcester.
Reflecting on the broader world, I found myself engaged in a conversation about the ramifications on the supply of heroin following the reduction in opium farming, enforced by the Taliban in Afghanistan. This transported me back to my Army career, now 10 years in the past. If ever there was a reminder we are connected globally!
Shifting our focus closer to home, I am excited that the Worcester Big Sleep Out has found a new home at the Worcestershire County Cricket Club. On Friday, 13 October 2023, we come together once again, not only to raise awareness but to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who depend on our support.
As always, if you wish to contact me, visit, or help in any way please get in touch. I thank everyone for your unwavering support.
Jonathan Sutton, CEO