WINCHESTER Beacon has announced that its chief executive, Michèle Price, will hand over her role later this year.

Michèle began volunteering at the nighshelter in 2002 before later becoming a member of staff, culminating in her 15-year leadership.

The Winchester Beacon, formerly known as Winchester Churches Nightshelter, was established in 1988 to support people experiencing homelessness in Hampshire.

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The charity provides a safe place to stay for 22 people across four sites, the first in Jewry Street in 1998. Specialist staff give tailored support to each resident to enable them to rebuild their lives and escape homelessness for good.

Working closely alongside the volunteer board of trustees, Michèle has led the expansion of the charity, including the introduction of move on properties which provide a stepping stone to independent living.

She has accepted a number of awards on behalf of the charity including the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK. More recently, Michèle has navigated the charity through the challenges presented by the pandemic ensuring that the provision of accommodation and support was uninterrupted.

Tracy Jones, chair of the board of trustees, said: “Michèle’s drive to improve the lives of people experiencing homelessness is evident in all that she does. She has worked tirelessly and passionately to help the charity evolve and ensure it continues to meet the changing needs of the people it supports.

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“Former residents regularly return to say hello to Michèle and update them on their lives, so often citing their stay and their support from Michèle and fellow staff as the turning point in their life.

“Michèle will be greatly missed but her legacy will live on as thanks to her hard work we are set up to support people experiencing homelessness for many years to come.”

Whilst stepping down from the role of CEO, Michèle intends to continue working part-time to help with the handover of her role and to work on a number of other projects at The Winchester Beacon.

The charity will be looking to recruit a new chief executive in August, with interviews taking place early October. For more information, visit the Winchester Beacon website, or email your interest to applications@winchesterbeacon.org.uk.