“25 years ago, on 28 February 2001, Two Saints was formed when St Dismas and St Petroc merged to bring together these two homeless charities working in Portsmouth and Southampton.
“I’ve been thinking about the thousands of lives that we have touched, and changed, in the time that has passed since then.
“It’s been a difficult few months which could make it difficult to look forward. I certainly want to feel excited about the future but am also deeply saddened by the funding cuts in services and the staff and clients that have moved on.
“To look forward I have first looked back. Our success and the growth we’ve had over the years is because we care about the futures of the people we support.
“Our staff are testament to that: their work demonstrates the behaviours and attitudes of a compassionate society, and our outcomes-led support model – including values of ‘we never give up’ and ‘we know we’re stronger together’ – is recognised by our commissioning partners.
“Change is coming and we’re ready to embrace it. We’ve remained strong and financially resilient and are now able to look forward to new opportunities. The government recently published the national Homelessness Strategy that includes targets to reduce homelessness and rough sleeping. Dame Louise Casey has launched the Casey Commission, an independent review into adult social care that includes how adult social care and homelessness services work together.
“Our strategy includes objectives to develop new service models, own more property, and have a well-trained and supported workforce. I’ve been chief executive for just over a year now and have met a lot of our staff and clients. I can see the value of what you do and will continue to advocate for our services and the difference they make to peoples’ lives.
“Let’s look forward to celebrating our 25th anniversary – our silver jubilee.”
Janice Hughes
Chief executive