Matthew Hodder: A New Champion for Community Outreach in Great Yarmouth
In a significant development for the Great Yarmouth community, Matthew Hodder has been appointed as the Development Worker for Together Norfolk, bringing with him decades of experience in social services and a deep-rooted commitment to faith-based community work. As a long-time resident of Martham, where he has lived for more than half his life, Matthew brings both local knowledge and professional expertise to his new role. His journey as a committed Christian began in 1982, and he currently serves as an Authorised Worship Assistant at St Mary’s church in Martham. This background, combined with over 20 years in Adult Social Services and his recent experience as a Community Outreach Worker, provides Matthew with a unique perspective on the challenges facing the Great Yarmouth area and the potential for churches to make a meaningful difference.
Matthew’s appointment wasn’t something he actively sought out, but rather a calling he felt compelled to answer. “I was settled in that role and wasn’t looking for another job until God presented me with the opportunity to apply for the role of Development worker for Together Norfolk,” he explains. After a period of prayer and reflection, Matthew became convinced that this position aligned perfectly with his skills and divine purpose. This sense of calling speaks to the deeper meaning behind his new role – not just as a job, but as a mission to serve his community through faith-based action. Together Norfolk, previously known as Imagine Norfolk Together, represents a collaborative effort between the Church Urban Fund and the Diocese of Norwich, aimed at empowering local churches to create positive change in their communities.
The core of Matthew’s mission is remarkably focused: to help churches throughout the borough of Great Yarmouth increase their impact in addressing poverty while ensuring their efforts are sustainable. “My role is to help individual churches in the borough of Great Yarmouth to have a greater and more sustainable impact in tackling poverty in their community,” Matthew states. This approach recognizes that while many churches already engage in valuable community work, they often need support, resources, and guidance to maximize their effectiveness. Matthew sees himself as a modern-day Barnabas – the biblical figure known as the ‘Son of Encouragement’ – whose generosity, mentorship, and faith strengthened the early Christian community. By drawing this parallel, Matthew emphasizes his commitment not just to implementing programs, but to nurturing and empowering others in their service to the community.
What makes Matthew particularly well-suited for this role is his deep connection to the local area combined with his professional background. Having lived in Martham for such a significant portion of his life, he understands the unique challenges and opportunities within the Great Yarmouth community. His extensive experience in Adult Social Services has given him insight into the systemic issues contributing to poverty and disadvantage, while his previous position as a Community Outreach Worker has equipped him with practical knowledge of effective community engagement strategies. Together Norfolk’s approach recognizes that tackling poverty requires more than just material assistance – it necessitates building stronger communities through relationship building, skills development, and addressing root causes of disadvantage, all areas where Matthew has demonstrated capability.
Beyond his professional qualifications, Matthew brings a refreshing wholeness to his role through his diverse personal interests. When not engaged in community work, he enjoys cycling, repairing bicycles, gardening, playing drums in a jazz band, drawing, and riding his motorcycle. These varied pursuits not only provide balance to his life but also create multiple points of connection with different segments of the community he serves. His visibility around Great Yarmouth – whether on his bicycle or at local events – helps to make him an accessible and relatable figure to community members from all walks of life. This approachability is invaluable in a role that requires building trust and forming relationships across diverse groups within the community.
Together Norfolk’s initiative comes at a critical time for Great Yarmouth and surrounding areas, where many communities face significant economic challenges, social isolation, and limited resources. Churches, with their established presence in neighborhoods and commitment to service, are uniquely positioned to address these issues – but they often need support to coordinate their efforts and maximize their impact. Matthew’s role will help bridge this gap, providing churches with the tools, connections, and strategies they need to effectively serve their communities. His appointment represents a hopeful development for the region, promising strengthened church-community partnerships and more coordinated approaches to tackling poverty. As Matthew embarks on this new chapter in his service journey, his combination of local knowledge, professional experience, and personal faith positions him to make a substantial contribution to community wellbeing throughout the Great Yarmouth area.
