Eastbourne homeless campaigner retires

Pauline Peagam-Phillips worked as the community development manager at The Salvation Army’s Eastbourne Citadel for 14 years and during her tenure set up the Winter Night Shelter, opened the Rebourne Corner Day Centre, ran the Herald Christmas Tin and Toy Appeal, co-ordinated hot meals all year round for the homeless and vulnerable community, helped people find homes and raised thousands of pounds for the charity.

She said, “I have seen many people turn their lives around because of the help they have found in Rebourne Corner and many homeless people have been housed through the association built up with various landlords in the town.

“I have worked alongside many volunteers over the years who have helped with my work but, to me, the most important volunteer who has been by my side from the beginning is Cindy, my beloved pet dog who also has helped many clients every day in the centre, helping them feel loved and wanted.

“My work was not a job, it was a vocation. As a Christian I have always believed I was doing the Lord’s work, showing God’s love for everyone I came in contact with, by the actions shown to them.”