Matrix Trust | Guildford | Transformation | Youth

Church Leaders Lunch with Anne Milton MP

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The Matrix Trust 10th anniversary celebrations started in style as we welcomed Anne Milton, MP (Shadow Minister for Health) to a breakfast at Allen House where she spoke to about 35 local church leaders across the denominations on her perception of the Role of Church in the Community.

Following breakfast, Anne shared her concerns about young people, and the detrimental and harmful influences of drugs, alcohol, etc, and the role of the third sector in providing good value for money in addressing these issues. She praised churches for the role they play in dealing with some crucial needs which were often met at a fraction of the cost incurred by the public sector for similar services. She was keen to point to the good work which our schools’ workers carry out in situations which would otherwise stretch academic staff who have little experience or training in relational work.

Anne invited questions which included the lack of women rising to positions of power, particularly in church and politics; changes in morality, internet gambling, the BBC, her family life, and support for parents.

She stressed the importance that Guildford should be defined by what we give, not by what we’ve got.

Ian Nicholson thanked Anne for her time, and for her commitment to Guildford, and Revd Frank Scammell (Emmanuel Church) closed with a prayer of blessing for Anne and her work as an MP.

Press Release: Anne Milton takes hidden Guildford to Speaker's House

Hidden Guildford was the theme of a reception sponsored by Anne Milton, Guildford’s MP, and hosted by the Speaker of the House of Commons on 1 March. The Speaker hosted an event for local charities Guildford YMCA, The Matrix Trust and Chapter 1. Dr Helen Bowcock spoke about her report Hidden Surrey; Rosemarie Driver interviewed Corrina and Amy from Chapter 1; Joshua told of his Ready4Action volunteering; and John, who works at YMCA, recited a dramatic poem about spiralling deprivation and homelessness. Anne said:

“It was an honour and a privilege for us all to have a chance to see the Speaker’s magnificent apartments. It was also a fantastic opportunity to hear from Helen, the author of Hidden Surrey, which gave a stark contrast to our surroundings. We had striking contributions from 2 young people who had been helped by Chapter 1 and heard a very moving poem. This was a chance to say thank you to all those who help so much in so many ways and also a chance to raise the profile of Guildford YMCA, The Matrix Trust and Chapter 1. Charities in Guildford need local support now, more than ever.”