Church Army’s Ralph honoured by Liverpool for his vision for prisoners

Church Army’s Ralph Upton was recently honoured by Liverpool City Council for his groundbreaking work in bringing a vision of hope to prisoners trying to resettle in the community.

Ralph was invited to attend the launch of the Bridge Prison Liaison project at Blackburn House- a project that grew out of his original vision - and was surprised when he was called forward and presented with a print of Liverpool’s waterfront by Darrell Stephen, Head of Liverpool City Council’s homeless team who paid tribute to Ralph’s“visionary work in drawing attention to the gap in resettlement provision for those serving less than a year in prison.”

Joy Taylor, manager of the bridge project added; “Without Ralph’s original idea and never say die tenacity this project would never have got off the ground, we owe him a huge debt.” Sir Peter Lloyd, Chairman of New Bridge also added his praise to what was a very emotional occasion for Ralph.

Church Army’s Chief Secretary, Philip Johanson OBE added: “I am delighted that Ralph has been recognised in this way. He was the first Church Army officer whose work was mentioned in a House of Lords debate a few years ago when he was praised by the Bishop of Liverpool for his work with the homeless and resettlement of offenders.”

Ralph, who now manages the Valley of Hope project based in Rhondda Cynon Taff, was touched by the occasion and commented; “I have always worked in partnership with groups, agencies and churches and I am pleased to have been honoured in this way. It is always good to see a vision realised and no-one is more pleased than me to see the bridge project launched.”

www.valleyofhope.co.uk