A CHARITY supporting homeless people across the Farnham area, Transform Housing & Support, has announced the president and vice-chancellor of the University of Surrey, Professor Max Lu, as its new patron.

Professor Lu was previously the provost and senior vice-president at the University of Queensland in Australia following the post of deputy vice-chancellor (research) for five years to 2014.

Professor Max Lu is impressed with the work of Transform and said: “Transform is making a huge difference to improving lives of those vulnerable and homeless.

“Helping them with housing and much-needed support offers them safety, confidence, inspiration and hope for a better future."

Paul Mitchell, chief executive of Transform Housing & Support, added: “We are delighted that Professor Max Lu has so kindly agreed to become a patron of Transform, his support means a great deal to us.

“We look forward to working with him and the University of Surrey to help us make a greater impact in transforming the lives of homeless and vulnerable people.”

Transform provides housing and support to around 1,200 people each year in Surrey and neighbouring areas, and runs a number of projects in the centre of Farnham.

The charity gives each person a safe place to live, with one-to-one support to help them live independently. Last year 98 per cent of people helped by the charity said they felt happier thanks to Transform’s support.