Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, colleagues, staff and students. Welcome.

As many of you know, Real Change Guildford was launched in July 2019. It uses donations from local businesses, organisations and individuals like yourselves to directly assist those most in need, enabling them to make positive changes in their lives. This might be by funding a training course, a deposit for a home, a haircut or a new interview suit – everyday needs that most of us take for granted, but that can make an enormous difference to someone struggling with homelessness.

I am delighted to announce the University’s Ambassadorship for Real Change Guildford.

As Ambassadors for the campaign, we will be supporting fundraising activities and promoting Real Change’s work to staff, students and the public, throughout the year. We are looking forward to contributing all we can to this important effort. Donating through Real Change ensures that concerned local citizens can provide real and lasting help to those who are vulnerable. Together, we can turn lives around.

I’d like to congratulate Real Change on their remarkable progress so far: the campaign has raised over £4000 for local people sleeping rough.

With their local presence and knowledge, Real Change is able to identify individuals in the borough who can benefit most from their assistance. They offer a long term solution to rough sleeping, and the chance to re-build lives. In the words of author James R. Sherman: “You can’t go back and make a new start, but you can start right now and make a brand-new ending.”

The University of Surrey’s Public Engagement team have worked very hard to develop this initiative. It is one of the many ways that the University strives to be a good neighbour and a strong partner, and to positively impact lives locally as well as globally. Surrey is very proud to support Real Change Guildford and to act as Ambassador.

Thank you.