Doctor, broadcaster and comedian Phil Hammond has been appointed by Julian House, Bath’s main homeless charity, as its new patron.
Dr Hammond, pictured, who works in a highly regarded NHS team for young people with chronic fatigue syndrome/ME, is also a regular guest on of TV shows including The One Show, Have I Got News For You and Countdown.
As patron of Julian House he will add profile to the charity’s work as well as being a powerful advocate to a much wider audience than might otherwise be the case.
Dr Hammond’s appointment comes as charities such as Julian House face massive shortfalls in funding due the cancelation or postponement of virtually all fundraising events.
In Julian House’s case, it was also hit by the enforced closure of its shops and bike workshops during lockdown – and now expects to have a black hole of more than £200,000 its annual income.
Julian House chief executive Helen Bedser said: “We are absolutely delighted that Dr Hammond has agreed to support our work.
“His lengthy clinical experience and passion for social issues means that he can help us to give a louder voice to socially excluded and often vulnerable individuals – particularly in the areas of homelessness, domestic abuse and prison resettlement.
“There is no doubt that over the past 10 years or so attitudes have changed and there is a much greater understanding of the real issues which impact on homelessness.
“Likewise, domestic abuse is much more out in the open and victims are more empowered to seek help – rather than suffer in silence. We would like this process of change to accelerate and our new patron will be a huge help in achieving this.”
Dr Hammond’s first day in his new role included a tour of some of the charity’s key projects, meeting staff and gaining a better understanding of the breadth of its work.
He said he was impressed by what he saw, adding: “What is so impressive about Julian House is not just the enthusiasm, compassion and expertise of its staff, but the sheer range of projects they oversee and people they help.
“They support people struggling with homelessness, domestic abuse, addiction, unemployment, prison resettlement, family break up and mental health issues, those living with autism and Asperger’s, and those in the travelling community.
“If we want to achieve the goal of ‘health for all’ we need ‘help for all’, particularly when we are at our most vulnerable.
“Julian House is not just the embodiment of this, but the team’s success in turning lives around is inspiring and profoundly moving. I am proud to be patron.” Dr Hammond is also a presenter on BBC Radio Bristol and has been Private Eye’s medical correspondent since 1992,
Julian House is calling on the city’s businesses to join it in stepping out and standing up against homelessness at its annual Circuit of Bath Walk on Sunday September 27. It will be the only fundraising event the charity stages this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Now in its 19th year, the Circuit of Bath Walk brings together individuals, families, colleagues and friends to walk around some of the area’s most beautiful countryside and surrounding villages, with spectacular views across the city itself.
For further details and to buy tickets go to www.circuitofbathwalk.co.uk
