THE Bishop of Winchester has been named president of a social enterprise housing young people across Hampshire.

The Rt Rev Tim Dakin was inducted to lead the YMCA Fairthorne Group at a reception last week.

He was joined by chief executive Chris Hand and the Rt Rev David Williams, Bishop of Basingstoke, at a reception at Winchester YMCA’s base in St John’s House.

The Fairthorne Group helps young people find housing, employment and education in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and parts of Dorset.

It has opened two new facilities in Hampshire this year and is building three more to accommodate young people across the region. By the end of the year it hopes to provide housing for almost 200 people.

The Rt Rev Dakin said: “A new community formed around Jesus which changed the world. I have accepted this invitation to become president of the YMCA because it is also committed to building communities and changing lives.

“The work of the YMCA shows us what happens when community works. Together, we can make a significant contribution to the common good.”

Winchester YMCA joined the Fairthorne Group in 2013.