New Sheringham Salvation Army leader goes back to her roots

A new leader has taken the helm at The Salvation Army in Sheringham – returning to the part of Norfolk where she grew up.

Major Michelle Woodhouse, who is originally from near Fakenham, has taken up her new role leading The Salvation Army church and community work in the town after previously serving in a variety of appointments across the country.

And while she is still getting to know Sheringham from a new perspective, Michelle says building strong relationships with people across the town will be at the heart of her work.

Michelle said: “It’s the first time I’ve arrived at an appointment already knowing people – and even knowing where the shops are!

“Sheringham is very friendly and I don’t think it will be long before I’m well known. For me, building connections is the key thing. It’s about being known, being visible and being seen.”

Michelle began her Salvation Army ministry in Belfast, working at a family centre supporting homeless families and running a parenting programme.

She later spent ten years working with homeless women in Liverpool before helping to establish a church on a deprived estate in the city.

That work began in an unconventional way – with football sessions five nights a week on a floodlit caged pitch. From there, youth activities and parent-and-toddler groups developed, eventually followed by worship.

Michelle later moved to Norwich, where she spent eight years as The Salvation Army’s Divisional Children’s Officer around East Anglia, before going on to lead Salvation Army churches in Wellingborough and Boston.

Her new appointment brings her back to familiar territory. Michelle previously helped with the town’s ecumenical holiday club, which means she already knows people from other local churches.

However, having only recently arrived in the role, she is keen to spend time listening and learning before seeing how The Salvation Army’s work in the town might develop.

She said: “I’m just excited about the possible opportunities that are there to be taken. Every appointment I’ve had has involved developing ministry and developing programmes.

“If I could achieve one thing during my first year, it would be positive connections with others.”

The Salvation Army already has a strong presence in Sheringham, providing practical support alongside its Christian worship and activities.

There are opportunities for local people to volunteer through the food bank, Food Connect and the drop-in, as well as through the charity shop.

Michelle hopes people who may never have had any involvement with The Salvation Army will feel able to get to know her and the church.

She added: “I’m all for building relationships first. It’s very often through the relationships that are made that people will then respond. Come and try.”

For more information on The Salvation Army in Sheringham, go to salvationarmy.org.uk/sheringham