The High Sheriff of Surrey has visited two housing projects for homeless and vulnerable young people in Woking, run by Transform Housing & Support.
Mr Peter Lee, High Sheriff of Surrey for 2014-15, visited some of Transform’s housing projects in the Woking area on Thursday 24 April. He first toured Pound House, which provides supported housing for 10 young people aged 16 to 21, and then visited The Crescent, which offers housing and support to 14 vulnerable young people.
The High Sheriff was escorted on his visit by David Turner, Chairman of Transform, and Paul Mitchell, Chief Executive of Transform. Mr Lee met the staff teams at the two properties and talked to several of the young people that we support.
In Woking Transform provides homes for more than 30 young people, as well as a further 30 people affected by homelessness or mental health issues.
David Turner, Chairman of Transform Housing & Support, said:
“We were delighted to have the chance to show the High Sheriff Peter Lee some of Transform’s work with young people in Woking. The young people that Transform helps have often had extremely tough lives. We give them a home, where they can feel safe and find stability. With our staff providing individual support, each young person is able to gain life skills, get into education or employment, and build supportive relationships with friends and family. We aim to give young people the building blocks to live independently in future and to flourish.”
Peter Lee, High Sheriff of Surrey, said:
“I feel very honoured to be appointed as High Sheriff of Surrey and to have the chance to find out more about the work of local organisations such as Transform. I was very interested to hear about their work not just in Woking but across the county and meet some of the people they support. Although Surrey is largely an affluent area, sadly there are many people who do fall through the gaps and need the help of charities such as Transform.”
Mr Lee was installed as High Sheriff of Surrey in a ceremony held at Guildford Cathedral on 4 April. The High Sheriff of Surrey is appointed by The Queen and holds office for one year. The High Sheriff is in theory The Queen's legal representative in the County, although in practice it is now largely ceremonial.