Transform Housing & Support launched its 40th birthday celebrations on Tuesday 20 March, with a reception hosted by our Royal Patron, HRH The Countess of Wessex GCVO, at her home Bagshot Park.
The reception was a chance to thank some of the many people who have supported Transform over the years.
Guests included two of the charity’s patrons, songwriter Richard Stilgoe OBE and The Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey Dame Sarah Goad DCVO, as well as Mayor of Surrey Heath Cllr Tim Dodds, Chairman of Surrey County Council Cllr Lavinia Sealy and High Sheriff of Surrey Professor Michael Joy OBE.
Music was provided by a string quartet of students from the Royal Grammar School, Guildford.
Elizabeth Kennedy, Chair of Transform Housing & Support, said:
“We are very grateful to The Countess for all the support she gives to our charity and for her generous hospitality. It has been a real privilege for Transform to hold our 40th Birthday Reception at Bagshot Park. They say that life begins at 40 – and I certainly hope this will be the case for Transform.”
During 2012, Transform is fundraising for the Transform a life appeal. The initiative will support homeless and vulnerable people in three crucial areas: helping them create a safe and secure home; improving their physical, mental and emotional health; and giving access to education, training and employment.
Paul Mitchell, Chief Executive of Transform, said:
“At Transform, we have 40 years’ experience of helping people of all ages to overcome really quite serious obstacles – like drug or alcohol dependency, mental health issues or a history of offending. Whatever the problems people face, we help them to address them – one step at a time, one day at a time. With homelessness currently on the rise, vulnerable people need our help more than ever.”
