Visit of Norfolk MP to Teen Challenge Drayton
On August 19 Norfolk Christian charity Teen Challenge was delighted to host a visit from the local Broadland MP, Jerome Mayhew.
Jerome Mayhew is the Member of Parliament for Broadland and Fakenham. He was shown around all of the facilities that Teen Challenge has at Drayton Hall by the centre manager Martin Hosking, who answered his many questions on how the programme works. Martin told Mr. Mayhew how Teen Challenge takes men with serious and often long-term addictive problems through the programme and transforms their lives. Pauline Anderson had the opportunity to explain her role which includes education and general administration for the centre. Outreach Co-ordinator Rev Vic Ready said, "We were encouraged by Mr. Mayhew’s genuine interest in how Teen Challenge changes lives and gives the men a very positive future."
Later in the morning, Mr Mayhew came down to the 5:17, coffee shop located in Drayton along with his agent Kate Rushton. As well as enjoying a cup of ‘Blue Bear’ coffee he met several of the men nearing the end of the programme working at the café. He was able to hear firsthand their journey from addiction to a secure future. Vic said, "Whatever your political colour might be, I do believe that Jerome, judging by his visit to Teen Challenge today, is genuinely concerned and keen to offer support."
On his facebook page, Mr Mayhew said, "[It was] an informative visit to Teen Challenge at Drayton Hall, to see the work they do supporting long-term addicts become free from addiction. The volunteers do an excellent job ensuring people can look forward to a successful, addiction free future."
Although the team at Teen Challenge has visited many churches over the last few months, there are still many others that they haven’t yet been to. Addiction destroys lives and affects families also. If you would like Teen Challenge to visit your church, please do contact vic@draytonhall.org.uk or the Outreach Administrator, Catherine Ayre at catherine@draytonhall.org.uk.
Picture by Rayne Black of Martin Hosking with Jerome Mayhew MP at Teen Challenge Drayton