Delighted to bump into our good friends from the Salvation Army on one of their many Christmas outings.

The Salvation Army's beginnings date back to July 2, 1865 when a Methodist minister started work in East London. William Booth, the organisation's Founder, preached to the poor and underprivileged and by 1867 it had developed into a ministry offering basic schooling, reading rooms, penny banks, soup kitchens, and relief aid to the destitute. Now a global movement with extensive social services working in more than 100 countries they offer spiritual counsel, a sense of community and practical support regardless of race, creed or conviction.

In the UK the Salvation Army has 50 centres helping people without homes providing over 3,000 beds. They are full almost every night. They have 60 social programme centres providing residential accommodation and rehabilitation for people with substance misuse problems. They work with the elderly, in prisons, with those suffering mental and physical health issues, initiate disaster and emergency work and offer a family tracing service. Incredible!