Bracknell Hero Receives MBE for Charity Work

Elaine Chalmers-Brown from Bracknell has been named an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours for her work supporting people facing homelessness.

She and her husband David set up Pilgrim Hearts 26 years ago. They run weekly drop-ins at St Andrew's Church in Priestwood and the Methodist Church on Shepherds Lane, offering practical help and linking people to services.

Elaine said: "We want to give people a hand up, not a hand out. Whilst we are a faith organisation, everyone is welcome at Pilgrim Hearts and we work with all denominations and none. "We work with people who have financial problems and those just going through a difficult time."

Volunteers include barbers and podiatrists who help guests stay on top of things. Elaine adds corporate support also makes a big difference: "Corporate sponsorship can really help. One company helped us with shoes, and recently Waitrose gave us three months of their green tokens. "We want to get people working - not relying on handouts - we want to give them a hand up. "It wouldn't have happened without the help and support of my husband, David."

Cllr Paul Bidwell said: "I first met Elaine and David nearly twelve years ago following my election as Priestwood Town Councillor, meeting them both at the local church drop in."

Cllr Bidwell added: "Elaine is a kind and compassionate individual that is a real asset to the borough. Huge congratulations."

MP Peter Swallow said: "Huge congratulations to Elaine. This honour is an overdue recognition of her years of steadfast support for those experiencing street homelessness in Bracknell Forest. "I have had the great privilege of seeing Elaine's work up close as well as being on the receiving end of her advocacy for our most vulnerable local people. Without her, people across our community would be living less well, and less securely. "Thank you Elaine for everything you do!"

Warfield Church's Associate Vicar Ruth Donegan-Cross said: "For many years, Elaine has shared the love of Jesus with people facing homelessness through her practical help as well as her compassion. "Everyone at Warfield Church is delighted that her work with Pilgrim Hearts is being recognised as she receives an M.B.E."

Drop-in details: St Andrew's Church, Priestwood Court Road, Priestwood, Bracknell RG42 1TU - every Tuesday, 11.00am-2.00pm. The Methodist Church drop-in is on Shepherds Lane, Priestwood, Bracknell RG42 2BU - Thursdays, 11.00am-2.00pm.

Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter