Category: Funding

The image shows a group of people sitting at a table in an office. It shows a man in a blue top in the middle of talking - one hand is raised as he demonstrates a point. Sitting opposite him is Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman. She is smiling in response. Beside her is George Bell, a member of her team, who wears a white shirt.

What happens a victim and an offender sit down to talk? Commissioner discusses the impact of restorative justice

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A mother who hugged the man who cut her son’s throat is one of the victims supported through a little-known scheme funded by Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner. 

Lisa Townsend runs the county’s Restorative Justice Hub, which aims to bring together offenders and victims to discuss the impact of criminality. 

In a new video, the Commissioner is joined by facilitator Mike Ledwidge and two members of her criminal justice policy team, George Bell and Craig Jones, to discuss the impact restorative justice can have. 

The process gives both victims and offenders the opportunity to communicate in a face-to-face meeting, or via a letter, a recorded audio interview or a video. 



While all victims of crime can seek a restorative justice outcome, a meeting will only take place if both the victim and the offender agree to it. 

The scheme is voluntary, and trained facilitators assess risks and ensure the safety of those involved. 

Rather than focusing only on punishment, restorative justice gives victims a voice – and offenders a chance to understand the real impact of their actions. 

In the video, Mike discusses some of the restorative processes he has facilitated in Surrey. 

“I want to hug you”

He said: “I took a lady to meet the man who cut her son’s throat. 

“It was a meeting in the prison. At the end of the meeting, she said, ‘I’m not sure if I’m supposed to do this, but I want to hug you’, and she stood up and hugged him. 

“I had a situation where I had a girl who had been in trouble six times in as many months. When she was drunk, she kicked the living daylights out of another girl. It was a very nasty attack. 

“The parents of the victim came very angry to the meeting. At the end of the meeting, they left saying, ‘I hope that this works for you’. The offender never came to notice again.” 

Hope for victims

The Commissioner said: “For many people, justice is something that happens only in a courtroom. 

“But we believe it should also be something that gives victims a voice and provides a chance for offenders to truly understand the impact of their criminality. 

“Restorative justice is about more than words. It’s about empathy, responsibility, and hope. 

“By bringing people together in a safe and supported way, we can help victims to move forwards and reduce the chances of reoffending in our communities. 

“Mike Ledwidge’s work is transforming the lives of both victims and offenders, and I’m delighted to support this process through my dedicated Reducing Reoffending Fund.” 

The image shows Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend walking through a town centre with two police officers in uniform. Lisa, who has blonde hair, stands on the right of the image. She wears a black jacket and trousers. The officers, one male and one female, are wearing their uniforms and police hats, and they are in the middle of a conversation with Lisa as they all walk past a branch of Marks and Spencer.

150 arrests as repeat offenders targeted during new Safer Epsom and Ewell partnership

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Police have made 150 arrests as part of a new Safer Epsom and Ewell partnership that has been partly-funded by Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend.

Shoplifters, drug dealers, prolific offenders and those using vehicles like e-bikes and mopeds to commit crime are among those who have been targeted by policing teams.

The new initiative, designed to cut crime and foster pride in the town, brings together Surrey Police, Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, as well as local business and community partners.

The project adopts the College of Policing’s ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ framework, a three-stage approach where police ‘clear’ offenders from Epsom and Ewell and work in tandem with partners to ensure criminals don’t return.

It comes after a survey of residents found drug dealing and use is a major concern. Only 26 per cent of those surveyed said they feel the borough is a safe place to live.

Safer Epsom and Ewell

Over the past six months, 150 arrests have been made. Ten ‘county lines’ drug dealing gangs have been shut down and more than £20,000-worth of class A drugs seized, along with eight knives and £20,000 in cash.

Police have used data to identify the most prolific offenders, and are working with partners in criminal justice, local authorities and housing to tackle persistent criminality. Dedicated operations to tackle violence against women and girls are also taking place.

Borough Commander Inspector Tommy Pearson said: “The community of Epsom and Ewell has the right to feel safe in the area they call home, and this partnership represents a long-term commitment to that principle. 

“Policing action over the last six months has sought to target our prolific offenders, disrupt drug county lines and reduce the harm caused by criminality for members of the community. 

“Residents were keen for action in the town, and I am hopeful, along with the fellow officers on my team, that this is evident in our efforts so far.” 

Prolific offenders targeted

Throughout December, officers from the Epsom and Ewell Safer Neighbourhood Team were deployed as part of Operation Jingle, which featured high-visibility patrols in town centres.

Detections for theft rose to 45 per cent during the operation, compared with a national average of 20 per cent.

Sergeant James Pegg of the Epsom and Ewell Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “We are determined to drive crime and disorder out of the town centre and Operation Jingle, despite the jovial name, has set a hard-line stance against theft and drug offenders.  

“The operation has been hugely successful.

County lines tackled

“Being out in the community we serve in large numbers has received positive feedback from our residents and visitors alike, and has sent a strong message to those that wish to steal and harm: you are not welcome in our town.”

In the months to come, the Force will work alongside the North East Surrey College of Technology (NESCOT), Surrey County Council, Town and Country Housing and the borough council in a bid to make lasting change.

The focus of work will fall on six key areas: housing; anti-social behaviour; improving the local environment; increasing access to opportunities and resources to help women and girls; promoting youth voice; and employment.

The Commissioner has contributed £20,000 from her dedicated Serious Violence Duty fund and helped to secure further funding from the Government’s hotspot policing grant for Safer Epsom and Ewell.

The initiative follows the success of Safer Redhill, which also used Clear, Hold, Build and saw offending drop in the town.

“Lasting legacy”

She said: “The persistent offenders who have repeatedly committed crimes in Epsom and Ewell should be very worried. The message is clear – we are coming for you.

“Safer Epsom and Ewell uses intelligence and data to crack down on place-based harm.

“I believe it will leave a lasting legacy of safer streets, stronger communities, and excellent partnership working, and I am delighted to help fund the initiative.

“I wish Surrey Police’s officers and staff, as well as our brilliant partners across the borough, every success as they begin their journey.” 

The image shows, on left, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, a blonde woman wearing a pink and red Christmas jumper with Santa's face on, and on right, Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman wearing a white Christmas jumper which reads 'sleigh bells ring'. Both women are sitting on sofas opposite each other with their hands clasped and legs folded. They are looking into the camera and smiling. Directly behind them is a blazing fireplace with Christmas decorations on the mantelpiece.

Commissioner and Deputy share winning artwork from their annual Christmas card competition

Posted on | by Alex Winter

A festive design by a nine-year-old boy from Surrey has been sent to MPs, charity leaders, local councillors – and even the Prime Minister. 

The image, which features tidings of joy for towns and villages across the county, was sent to Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend as part of her annual Christmas card competition. 

It was drawn by a youngster who is supported by the South West Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (SWSDAS). 

He has been awarded a £100 Amazon voucher, while his artwork has been turned into a festive card which has been posted to hundreds of people this Christmas.

SWSDAS receives funding from the Commissioner. 

Lisa and her Deputy Commissioner, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, opened the competition to every child and young person involved with a youth service in Surrey. 

It is the fourth time they have launched the contest. Previous winners include a seven-year-old schoolboy from Reigate and a young person supported by Catch22, a charity working with children suffering criminal exploitation.  

Lisa has a dedicated £275,000 fund specifically for initiatives and organisations that support children and young people. 

Christmas joy

She said: “It’s always such a delight to share the winning design for my annual Christmas card. 

“I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to draw pictures and send them in to the office. 

“I have always considered myself extremely lucky to serve as Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, and that’s never more true than when I receive the submissions for the Christmas card competition. 

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those who work for Surrey Police for their tireless efforts to keep us all safe, and to wish everyone a very happy Christmas.” 

Winning design

Ellie said: “We both loved the winning design, which will be on mantlepieces and tables around the country this Christmas. 

“On the back of the card, we’ve shared the best ways to get in touch with Surrey Police, so this is one card that might still be in people’s homes long into the new year.” 

The image shows the word 'Merry Christmas' in gold bubble letters, and 'from Surrey' in green. Inside the bubble letters are the names of some Surrey towns and villages.

The winning design has been made into a Christmas card

The image shows Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman in a green dress, standing in front of a brick building. The building has a sign outside which reveals it to be the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. Lisa is leaning against a blue handrail, looking directly into the camera, and smiling.

New Surrey Police base set for Redhill next year, Commissioner announces

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

A new Surrey Police base is set to be created following the successful purchase of a site in the Redhill area, the Police and Crime Commissioner has announced today.

The building at Perrywood Business Park on Honeycrock Lane in Salfords has been bought with a view to providing a permanent police station and front counter for the public.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend hailed the purchase, which was finalised this week, as great news for the Force’s policing presence in East Surrey.

It follows an extensive search for a potential site in the Reigate and Banstead area.

New base

In 2023, police teams were forced to move out of the old Reigate Police Station following the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

Many have been operating out of a temporary location at nearby Wray Park in the meantime.

Last year Surrey Police announced plans to build a brand new Eastern Divisional HQ at a site in Leatherhead already owned by the Force and recently received resolution to grant planning permission,

But the Police and Crime Commissioner and senior Force leaders also wanted to find a secondary site in the Reigate and Banstead area for a police station and front counter service for residents.

The building at Perrywood Business Park was the only site in the area that met the requirements and will be funded by the sale of the previous Reigate Police Station.

The Commissioner believes the new building will be fit for purpose offering sufficient space and facilities for policing teams with ample parking and good local transport links which will help Surrey Police to continue delivering the high levels of service residents expect.

“Bright future”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “I know how much residents value their local policing presence so this is really fantastic news for our communities in the area.

“The discovery of RAAC and subsequent closure of Reigate Police Station has meant it has been a disruptive time for our hard-working teams in East Surrey.

“I want to pay tribute to their continued patience, professionalism and resilience in challenging circumstances.

“The search for a site in the Reigate and Banstead area has been extensive and Perrywood was the only building which met our needs so I am delighted that we have been able to secure the purchase.

“I believe that together with the progress being made on our new Eastern Division HQ in Leatherhead, this heralds a bright future for policing in East Surrey.”

Deputy Chief Constable of Surrey Police Mark McEwan said: “We believe this new building will provide sufficient space and facilities for our teams, be fit for purpose and enable us to continue delivering the high levels of service our residents expect. 

“Whilst we are still at the very early stages, considerations continue into where individual teams across the Eastern division will be based in the future and we will provide updates as and when we have them.  

“The safety of our communities remains our priority and there will be no change to officers continuing to patrol across the towns and villages of the local area as they already do. ”

The image shows Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman in a white shirt, standing in front of a Surrey Police building. She is beneath a sign that says 'Surrey Police HQ Mount Browne.' Her hands are clasped and she is looking directly into the camera.

Would you pay a little extra council tax to support the fight against crime? Have your say on police funding!

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

Surrey residents are being asked whether they would be prepared to pay a little extra so police teams can continue taking the fight to criminals in our communities.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said Surrey Police have made incredible strides over the last two years in tackling those issues important to the public.

Burglary and vehicle crime rates are falling, police teams are cracking down on anti-social behaviour, charges for shoplifting have risen by 465 per cent and the overall charge rate has more than doubled in Surrey.

But in order to maintain and build on those improvements over the coming year, the Commissioner says adequate funding is essential to ensure our hard-working police force have the tools for the job.

Council tax survey

Those who live or work in the county are being invited to fill in a brief survey on whether they would support the Commissioner’s proposed increase of a little over £1 extra a month on an average council tax bill for 2026/27.

Complete the survey here

One of Lisa’s key tasks as Commissioner is to set the Surrey Police budget, which includes determining the level of council tax raised for policing in the county, known as the precept.  

This funds the Force together with a grant from central government who also set the maximum precept limit that Commissioners can raise. 

Read frequently asked questions here

The Government assumes in their police funding announcements that all Commissioners will increase to the maximum limit.

Police funding

This year’s settlement, which will include the limit, is yet to be announced but it is anticipated that it will be in line with last year at £14 for an average Band D property. This equates to just over £1 a month for a Band D Council Tax payer.

Despite repeated lobbying to Government to get a fairer share of police grant funding, Surrey Police remains one of the most poorly funded forces in the country. As a result an increase in council tax is vital to give the Force the resources it needs to deliver the services residents depend on.

Every pound of precept amounts to an extra half-a-million pounds in the policing budget.  

The Commissioner said that the contributions the Surrey public make through their council tax is “absolutely crucial” and is continuing to pay dividends for communities.

Charges more than double

The number of charges across the board has more than doubled and 40 per cent more crimes have been solved.

Burglary rates have reduced by 14 per cent over the last year while vehicle crime is down by 36 per cent. The number of charges for rape have doubled. You can find out more on the Commissioner’s Data Hub.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend said: “I vowed last year that the contributions Surrey residents make through their council tax would go towards what policing does best – fighting crime in our local communities, getting tough on offenders and protecting people.  

“The improvements we have seen have been nothing short of incredible.

“Incredible”

“More criminals are being put before the courts and taken off our streets. Burglary and vehicle crime rates have fallen dramatically whilst charges for shoplifting and violence against women and girls have risen hugely

“This has all been made possible by the contributions you, the Surrey public, make through your council tax contributions.

“It is always really tough asking the Surrey tax-payer to pay more money, particularly in the current financial climate. But my job is to ensure our local policing teams remain properly funded in the face of some tough financial challenges.

“The reality is that despite repeated lobbying, the Government’s funding for policing in Surrey is simply inadequate, which is why your contributions remain so crucial to the service the Force is able to provide. I am afraid that an increase of some kind will be needed again this year to ensure that drastic cuts to our workforce can be avoided. 

Savings to be made

“The Force is making every effort to find efficiencies across the board to ensure we provide the very best value for money for our residents. But they still must find in the region of £?m in savings over the next four years.  

“I want to ensure we build on the fantastic progress already made, continue to tackle those crimes important to our residents and invest in those fantastic services in the county that provide truly life-changing support to victims of crime in Surrey. 

“It is important to me to find out what Surrey residents think and whether they would be willing to pay a little extra to support our policing teams again this year. So I would ask everyone to take a minute to fill out our brief survey and give me their views.”  

The council tax survey will close at midnight on 12 January 2026. For more information visit our dedicated webpage.

logo of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey on deep blue background

Statement from Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend on the abolition of PCCs

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, has released a statement following news that the Government will abolish the role of PCCs.

“The key role of an elected Police and Crime Commissioner is not only being the voice of our communities but being the champion for some of those key services that provide life-changing support to the most vulnerable people in our society.

“That is why I believe it is a sad day for the victims of crime in Surrey and the amazing organisations my office commissions and funds, many of whom are already operating in uncertain times.

“Today’s announcement over the abolishment of the PCC model makes clear that the statutory functions of the role, which are crucial to ensuring police governance, will need to continue.

“But what is not clear for our residents is what that will look like for Surrey and whether those powers will come under a directly elected mayor.

“Our county will soon be moving to a two unitary model and whilst the Government has committed to having a strategic authority in Surrey, the question of whether that means a mayor remains unanswered.

“I would urge them to clarify what that means for our communities in what is already a period of great change for our county.

“My concern is that whatever follows the PCC model will be less democratic, less accountable, less transparent, and worse value for money for the people of Surrey.”

Taxpayers could foot the bill to fund officer pay rise after ‘flawed funding formula used to calculate cost’

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY taxpayers could end up footing part of a £2.2million bill for an increase in police officer pay after the Government calculated its costs based on a “deeply flawed” funding formula, Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner has warned.

Lisa Townsend says that while the pay rise is “well deserved”, not enough central funding has been provided to cover the cost of the increase.

As a result, the precept – which is the part of council tax that supports policing – could go up to cover the shortfall.

During the summer, it was confirmed that the Government had accepted recommendations from the Police Remuneration Review Body to increase the pay award for all ranks, up to and including Chief Superintendent, by 4.2 per cent.  

Funding formula

Last week, Policing and Crime Minister Sarah Jones MP confirmed forces in England and Wales would receive a share of £120million in 2025/26 to support policing with part of the cost of the police officer pay increase. 

This is being distributed by a national funding formula, rather than by officer headcount. Surrey receives the lowest settlement of all police forces under the formula.

The £1.3m grant allocated to Surrey Police will cover the first year of the pay rise. After that point, there will be a £2.2m shortfall, with no further funding provided for future years.

This means that the additional £2.2m cost, equivalent to £4.50 on council tax, will need to be found as savings which will be added to Force’s costs in 2026/27 and beyond.  

Pay increase

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “There is no doubt that this pay increase is well-deserved. Our officers work tirelessly to keep Surrey safe, and I’m delighted that their efforts are being recognised by the Government. 

“I’d also like to pay tribute to the brilliant work of police staff including 999 and 101 call-takers, PCSOs and designated detention officers, whose pay increase will not be funded by the Government. 

“However, this wage increase for officers, as welcome as it is, exceeds the salary increases budgeted for by many forces, including Surrey.

“As I warned over the summer, the Government grant does not factor in costs like pensions and overtime. 

Commissioner’s concern

“I feared that the grant would be allocated by the outdated and deeply-flawed police funding formula, rather than by officer headcount, and I am sad that my concerns were well-founded. 

“Surrey receives the lowest settlement of all forces, placing an unacceptably high duty on taxpayers.

“We have been promised reform to the funding formula time and time again by successive governments, and yet it has never happened.

“Root and branch review to make this system fairer is urgently needed. 

“It simply must be sustainable”

“Just 45 per cent of Surrey Police’s total budget is covered by the Government.

“The remaining 55 per cent is provided through the precept – the highest burden on taxpayers in the country. Soon I will be asking for their views on how much they’re willing to contribute for 2026/27. 

“Once again, I call on the Government to provide further clarity on future funding for the pay rise.  

“It simply must be sustainable, or – in both Surrey and across England and Wales – forces could face financial challenges that directly impact the delivery of policing and future planning.” 

Anti-social behaviour, hate crime and safety at night: The big issues for Surrey’s young people

Posted on | by Alex Winter

MORE than 1,600 children and young people from across Surrey have had their say on the crime and policing issues that matter most to them. 

Anti-social behaviour, safety at night, hate crime and mental health were among the key issues raised at the Surrey Youth Commission’s annual Big Conversation Conference last week. 

The forum, funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and led by Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, aims to put youth voice at the heart of policing in Surrey. 

Members of the Youth Commission consulted peers for their views on a range of topics. Events were held at venues including the University of Surrey, the YMCA, Friday Night Projects at youth clubs, and Surrey Police’s Neighbourhood Conference. 



Youth voice

The findings were presented at an event attended by representatives from Surrey Police, as well as a wide range of partners including the NHS, local authorities, and charities.  

Over the course of the coming year, the Commission will work with partners to deliver campaigns based on their priorities. 

The Deputy Commissioner said: “I am once again really impressed by, and proud of, our Youth Commission members for the incredible amount of work they have done to identify the top issues affecting their peers. 

“Their findings provide us with an invaluable picture of how young people really feel about living in Surrey. This is an age group that often feels as if their voices go unheard. 

“We care very deeply”

“There is a common misconception that young people need to be treated differently, or that their concerns are somehow unique or different.  

“However, I know that what matters to young people is often the same as what matters to residents of all ages.

“Many of the priorities highlighted by the Youth Commission this year align with the concerns I hear from residents of all ages across the county. 

“The turnout at the Big Conversation Conference shows how many of us from policing and other services care very deeply about supporting these young people in making positive change.

Deputy’s pride

“I look forward to seeing what we can help them achieve next year. 

“Everyone involved should be proud of the work they have achieved this year. I am very proud of them.” 

Former Youth Commission member Zara Wainwright, who now helps to manage the group in Surrey, said: “We are building our relationships in the county to connect with more young people than ever before. 

“We received more than 1,600 responses this year, and we’re so grateful to everyone who contributed through peer-to-peer discussions, online surveys, and our interactive workshops designed to spark real conversations.” 

The image shows a large group of people standing on a path in front of a low bridge. The bridge is painted in purples and blues. In front of the group is a ribbon, and one of the people in the image - Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend - has a pair of scissors in her hand. The group are looking into the camera and smiling.

Commissioner unveils new mural on Epsom footpath highlighted as a concern by residents

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner has unveiled a new mural along an Epsom footpath connecting a train station with one of the county’s largest colleges.

Lisa Townsend contributed to the artwork in Epsom through her Community Safety Fund. The painting was created in response to reports of anti-social behaviour and robbery on the public path connecting Nescot College to Ewell East station.

Concerns about the alleyway were raised to Epsom & Ewell’s Community Safety Partnership’s Joint Action Group. The council then applied to Lisa for funding, and work began in September.

The mural was designed and painted by Positive Arts in collaboration with art and design students from Nescot.

It features key elements from the college’s 70-year history, including images from old prospectus covers, the Spirit of the Wind image from the old logo, and local flora and fauna.


Artwork unveiled

Lisa said: “It’s really important to me that residents in Surrey are safe in their communities, and that they feel safe too.

“The footpath between Nescot and the Ewell East Train Station was highlighted by residents as a location of concern, and I have meetings about this issue with partners including Surrey Police teams, college leaders and officers from British Transport Police.

“The beautiful mural aims to reclaim this public space, which is used by both students and residents. Improvements to lighting, police patrols and additional private security will also bolster community safety and crime prevention in the area.

“There are seven murals within Epsom and Ewell, each of which helps to foster pride in our communities. I’m delighted to have been able to contribute to the borough’s latest artwork.”

“Foster pride”

Councillor Shanice Goldman, who chairs the council’s Crime and Disorder Committee, said: “This community mural is a fantastic example of how multiple partners can work together for the betterment of the community.

“It is also a valuable step forward in combatting anti-social behaviour by rejuvenating an unloved, run down part of the borough and instilling a sense of pride and ownership of the area in the students.”

“The council has commissioned a number of murals across the borough as part of our Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy over the past year, and these have already had a positive impact on reducing anti-social behaviour, such as reducing graffiti tagging.

“I hope this latest mural will achieve similar results.” 

The image is a panoramic photo of a bridge over a public footpath. The bridge has been painted with images relating to Nescot College - it has bright colours and images from the college's history.
The image shows a group of people facing the camera and smiling. In the centre of the group is Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman who wears a blue denim shirt and white trousers.

Clean clothes, a place to sleep and 27,000 hot meals: Inside Camberley’s Hope Hub

Posted on | by Alex Winter

OVER the past six years, staff and volunteers at a Camberley charity have helped ex-offenders get back into work, provided a safe home for rough sleepers – and cooked up an astonishing 27,000 hot meals. 

The Hope Hub is part-funded by Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, who recently approved a grant from her Reducing Reoffending Fund to support the service until 2028. The total award is £84,000 over three years, or £28,000 for this financial year.

The Hub, part of Surrey County Council’s Changing Futures programme, aims to prevent and end homelessness in Surrey Heath and the surrounding areas.

Service’s impact

Between April 2024 and March 2025 alone, the Hub has: 

  • Supported 269 people, 198 of whom struggle with their mental health 
  • Housed 98 of the 102 rough sleepers it has supported in that timeframe 
  • Provided more than 5,000 meals 
  • Delivered 776 food parcels to Surrey Heath residents in need of support 
  • Helped 222 people with debt management 
  • Secured employment for 14 people 

The charity also manages a seven-bedroom home in Camberley where rough sleepers are provided with short-term accommodation of between six and eight weeks. 

Support for those in need

Staff offer both practical and pastoral support, including the use of washing machines, dryers and warm showers, as well as training courses and classes in cooking, money management and how to pay for utilities. 

One pensioner found sleeping in a van was helped to open a bank account, get ID, access his pension, and secure safe accommodation. 

In addition, each Christmas the charity dedicates funding to ensuring everyone in need has accommodation for the festive period, as well as a Christmas dinner and useful, practical gifts. 

When a client needs medical care, staff also visit hospitals with them.  

Commissioner’s pride

The Commissioner said: “It is difficult to overstate how proud I am to support organisations like The Hope Hub. 

“Without fanfare, staff and volunteers are changing the lives of some of our most vulnerable residents for the better. 

“This tireless work means that, even when a person has complex needs or a challenging background, they don’t fall through the gaps between services. 

“Almost 50 per cent of the Hub’s clients are ex-offenders who need support to re-enter the workforce. These are people who, with help, can stay out of the criminal justice system for good. 

“Goosebumps”

“During my visit, I met with a member of the team who helps clients train for employment. She told me that her work developing skills and building confidence gives her ‘goosebumps’ – a feeling I experienced as I listened to her speak. 

“Reducing reoffending is a key priority for me, and it matters to every single Surrey resident. 

“I am delighted to be able to contribute to The Hope Hub’s ongoing successful work.” 

For more information, visit thehopehub.org.uk