21st November 2022 | Royal Visits to Surrey

The Lighthouse – New Royal Patron

HRH The Countess of Wessex is to become Patron of The Lighthouse. The announcement was made during a royal visit to the Woking-based charity on Tuesday 8th November 2022.

HRH The Countess of Wessex was accompanied by the Lord-Lieutenant as they formally presented the charity with their Queen’s Award for Volunteer Service.  They spoke with many of the charity’s dedicated volunteer teams, met Ukrainian refugees who are supported there, and The Countess even took the opportunity to join the volunteer staff behind the counter of the charity’s social enterprise coffeehouse, serving customers.

The Lighthouse as an inspirational example of the power of volunteering, where local people come together to support and make life better for those around them. The Countess has personally volunteered at The Lighthouse several times over recent years, working alongside other volunteers to make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling.

The Lighthouse co-founder Rebecca Jespersen said, “Her Royal Highness is a passionate advocate for those disadvantaged by circumstance, disability or inequality, and will be an enormously valued champion in her new role as our charity’s Patron. We are incredibly grateful for The Countess’s involvement and look forward to working more closely together.”

Chair of Trustees Peter Keynes added his appreciation: “We are honoured and thrilled that Her Royal Highness has become Patron to The Lighthouse. This recognition and support affirms the charity’s growing place as a vital source of help and hope, particularly as we look to the economic challenges ahead when the need for our services will only increase.”

The Lighthouse buildings in central Woking and Barnsbury host a range of projects to support, encourage and empower those who find themselves in need or on the margins.

The charity has around 300 volunteers, working together to tackle deprivation and isolation, transforming lives towards well-being, independence and hope. The Lighthouse includes well known services like the Woking Foodbank and the Jigsaw baby bank, as well as a clothing bank, debt advice, cooking classes, creative workshops, ‘The Cosy’ social enterprise coffeehouse, and much more.  

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