Billy-Jo O’Leary shares updates, encouragement and prayer points related to Home for Good’s work across the South-East.

It was wonderful to see churches engage with the Christmas Appeal resources and share ‘A Promise of Hope’. One Church in West Sussex held a giving month, using this resource. As a direct result of this, a Home for Good volunteer champion was also invited to speak at a local primary school assembly to share about Home for Goods work with the children and young people.

Billy-Jo has been involved with a range of meetings online, or in person, across West Sussex, Brighton and Hove, Hampshire, Basingstoke, Southampton, and Portsmouth. We are so excited about the increased activity in all these areas. If you are interested in finding out more, please do contact Billy-Jo.

The West Sussex Fostering recruitment team have acknowledged the supportof Home for Good volunteers in their recruitment and retention of carers through the local peer support group! Billy-Jo and a volunteer champion were thrilled to attend ‘services day’ recently with West Sussex carers.

Billy-Jo writes:

“One of my biggest joys is to support our volunteers and peer support groups to establish links, grow the local network and nurture positive relationships. My question to all of our champions and peer support volunteers is ‘What is your dream? Part of my role is to help such dreams become a reality (where possible). I look forward to seeing you at Spring Harvest, Minehead. If you are heading that way, come and say hello.“

A big warm welcome to Philippa and Charlotte, two new volunteer champions who have joined us! If you are curious about becoming a champion - please visit the volunteer pages on our website.

In the next few months Billy-Jo will be focusing on growing the volunteer base and developing more Home for Good Churches. This is an opportunity for local churches to deepen their engagement with Home for Good and to play an even more active role in finding and supporting homes for children and young people.

If you are a career, an adoptive family or supported lodgings host - please do get in touch. We would love to hear from you and connect with you. We are so grateful to everyone for playing their part.

What can I be praying for?

We would love you to stand with us in prayer as we continue to work to find a home for every child who needs one in the South East.

• Pray for Billy-Jo as she meets with leaders and volunteers across the region, that she will make new, fruitful connections as well as growing and developing the existing network of churches, individuals and volunteers.
• Pray for all of our volunteers across the South East, asking God to guide and bless them in all they do to inspire and support others.
• Pray that God would continue to prompt and inspire people to explore whether they could play a part in fostering, adoption or supported lodgings.
• We’d love to see support and links grow across Kent and Surrey churches, in Gosport and The Isle of Wight. Please pray for more volunteers and peer support groups in these areas, so that Billy-Jo can expand the reach and impact of Home for Good.

Check out our prayer resource, Let’s pray, for additional thoughts, inspiration and points to guide your prayers.

Are there any events happening soon that I can attend?

Head over to our London and South East England page to find out what is happening in the area and find all the local support groups.

How do I get in touch with a member of the Home for Good team in South East England?

Billy-Jo O'Leary heads up Home for Good's work in the South East of England and she would love to hear from you! You can contact her through the button below.

Email Billy-Jo