The Winchester Beacon: Homeless charity say thanks after a good year

The charity, which helps homeless people through its building in Jewry Street and through three other four-bedroom houses in Winchester, held its supporters night and annual general meeting on October 10 - World Homeless Day.

The charity said that it was in a good place this year, following a 10 per cent increase in total donations compared to the previous 12 months. 

The charity had supported 23 residents at its move-on houses, shared houses let at affordable rates, as well as 30 people through its shorter-term accommodation in Jewry Street. 

It has also appointed a new chief executive after longstanding CEO Michele Price stepped down. 

Mark Wakeling (Image: Kimberley Barber) Mark Wakeling, who took over the role in November 2023, spoke at the supporters' evening. 

He said: "I feel privileged to be involved in an organisation where so much has been invested to help so many in need. There has been so much generosity of time, money, work and care." 

He said the charity would be working to provide personalised support, increase its effectiveness, and work on its community cohesion, with increased opportunities. 

He said the charity wanted to inspire hope - and all supporters were given a blue iris bulb, a symbol of hope and faith. 

Fiona Gibbons, treasurer, said the charity had seen a total income of £813,059 for the past year, with a total expenditure of £602,661, a surplus income of £210,398. 

She said that increased contributions from companies, trusts and foundations had added up to 53 per cent of the total income, and that an increase in income from grants, such as the grant allocated for the refurbishment of its toilet and washing facilities, had helped. 

The surplus money would be looked at as part of a strategic review with the intention of helping more people by increasing the availability of beds and providing a more comprehensive support to those in need. 

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The Winchester Beacon’s CEO Mark Wakeling talking at its recent supporters night and AGM held at The Arc on October 10 - World Homeless Day

♬ original sound - Hampshire Chronicle

Tracy Jones, chair of the board of trustees, also gave her thanks to all the volunteers and trustees. 

She encouraged people to get involved with the charity - and also announced that she would be stepping down later this year. 

Dean Catherine Ogle, the patron of the charity, paid her thanks via a video message.  She said: "Congratulations to the Beacon. You are a living symbol of hope in open community." 

As well as volunteers, trustees, workers and supporters being thanked - tributes were paid to two volunteers who died this year - Debby Hughson and Lesley Cunnea. 

The meeting ended with a talk from Professor Nick Maguire, from the University of Southampton, who spoke about the need for awareness of homelessness.