Chaplain’s dedication acknowledged by Northumbria Police

A homelessness chaplain in Sunderland has been commended by Northumbria Police during Volunteers’ Week for her dedication in a range of volunteering roles.

Julie Judson, who is employed part-time as a chaplain at The Salvation Army’s Swan Lodge Lifehouse in Sunderland and its community project in Southwick, scooped the Partnership Working Award at the first Citizens in Policing Awards, held as a virtual event.

Julie is a well-known face in Sunderland in her capacity as a Salvation Army worker and church member. She supports families and individuals in crisis and volunteers with the Church’s emergency response team, for which she provides refreshments and a listening ear to blue-light services at major incidents. Julie is also involved in the interdenominational Street Pastor ministry. She was nominated for her award by her colleague Julie Foster

Julie has built up a network of professional contacts over time who contact her for help and advice. During the challenges of Covid-19, she has provided continual support and assistance where possible despite the restrictions and challenges of the pandemic. Julie has also been instrumental in bringing together several agencies to support vulnerable people.

In addition to her voluntary roles, Julie also goes above and beyond to ensure the wellbeing of frontline emergency workers. As a terrific baker, she often provides welcome treats to the emergency workers to say ‘thank you’ for their hard work.

To find out more about the work Julie carries out in Sunderland, visit our Swan Lodge Lifehouse and Southwick Community Project pages.