Susan answers the call to serve Hemel Hempstead
A new Salvation Army leader has arrived in Hemel Hempstead with plans to support more families and build on the church and charity’s work in the community.
Lieutenant Susan Wright has taken up her first appointment as a Salvation Army officer and hopes to spend her first months getting to know local people and finding out where the organisation can make the biggest difference.
Supporting people affected by the cost of living, homelessness and addiction are among the areas she is keen to explore, alongside creating more opportunities for families and children.
Susan said: “It’s really exciting. There are lots of opportunities to work with people and journey with people.
“My first impression is that Hemel Hempstead is really friendly and there’s a lot going on here. Everyone has been really welcoming.”
The Salvation Army already runs a range of activities in Hemel Hempstead, including a toddler group, lunch club and wellbeing café, and Susan is keen to build on what is already available rather than immediately making changes.
One idea she would like to explore in the future is a children’s club, potentially providing after-school activities and additional support for local families.
She said: “I’d like to get more families and children involved and give more support to families.
“I think the cost of living is one of the biggest challenges facing people. The Salvation Army can help by accepting everybody and having a place where people can come and get to know each other. It’s a safe space for people.”
Susan grew up in The Salvation Army and first felt called to become an officer in 2020. She began her training in 2024, combining academic study with practical placements in Salvation Army churches and community centres.
Hemel Hempstead is her first appointment since completing that training, and she is also beginning to make connections with other organisations and representatives in the town.
Susan said she hopes that, a year from now, The Salvation Army will be reaching even more people, particularly families, and will continue to be somewhere people feel they belong.
She said: “I’d like to have a place full of people who are happy and feel welcome.
“Everybody is welcome to come in and see what happens. If you see us out in the community, come and say hello.
“What excites me most is getting to know people, journeying with people and sharing God and the gospel.”
Away from her new role, Susan is settling into life in Hemel Hempstead with her new cockapoo puppy, Bonnie, who has already started training classes.