Watford New Hope Trust

A really big thank you to Marks and Spencer's Watford and all our volunteers.
On 23rd December a group of volunteers took part in our Christmas bag packing extravaganza at Marks and Spencer's Watford. Throughout the day volunteers wearing Watford New Hope Trust T shirts helped pack customers shopping in the food hall. Many of the customers were so grateful to have a helping hand after some last minute Christmas food shopping! By the end of the day a staggering £521.19 had been raised.

A really big thank you to everyone at Marks and Spencer's for their support and to all of our wonderful volunteers.

Thank you for sleeping out!
A really big thank you to everyone who took part in the St Albans Abbey Sleepout on 4th December 2009. Despite rain and wind there were at least 50 people who succeeded in sleeping the whole night out in St Albans Cathedral precinct to raise funds for Watford New Hope Trust. Participants included Mike Smith our Chief Executive and Mike Jones our Chair of trustees. Ellie and Alan Burtonshaw from Watford Borough Council and Richard Larval the Chair of Three Rivers District Council came along to talk to and encourage everyone who was sleeping out. The photograph shows Jane Cavill and Dawn Streeter both of whom slept out.

Thank you Andreas Lackner and Hilton in the Community Foundation
Andreas Lackner presented Mike Smith with a cheque for £1466.90. This represented 50% of the staggering £2933.80 that he raised after undertaking a 21 day sponsored fast and endurance experience. During this period he walked some 250km and ascended some 4500m in altitude in India, Austria and England.

Andreas works for Hilton hotels and undertook his sponsored event to support the work of the Hilton in the Community Foundation. As part of the Foundations remit they can donate 50% of the sponsorship to a local charity. Mr. Lockner and his colleagues chose Watford New Hope Trust because of the work we do to support homeless people and in particular younger homeless people in Watford.

Watford New Hope Trust included in St Albans Abbey Mission Giving Allocation 2009
Watford NEW Hope Trust was thrilled to be one of the local charities supported by the Abbey Mission Giving Allocation for 2009. Mike Smith, our Chief Executive went along to the Lady Chapel on May 17th to attend the official presentation of a cheque for £1000. Mike said "I am delighted that we have been selected as one of the beneficiaries and want to thank the committee and Caroline Wicks who proposed Watford New Hope Trust."

HOPE FOR THE HOMELESS
A Watford New Hope Trust Exhibition
Time for change" is Watford New Hope Trust's current initiative at the haven day centre to help clients think about the changes that they want to make in their lives, and to begin taking steps towards making those changes. Part of this initiative includes our programme of free workshops which take place six afternoons a week. This includes two very successful art workshops a week run by NYSA a Watford based art organization of professional artists and local artists funded by Watford Grammar School For Girls.

The art workshops have provided the clients with an amazing opportunity to work alongside professional artists learn and develop artistic skills and express themselves in a creative way. To celebrate the success of these workshops HOPE FOR THE HOMELESS a Watford New Hope Trust Exhibition is taking place at The Visual Arts Centre, Watford Grammar School for Girls, Lady's Close, Watford, Herts. WD18 0AE from 3rd to 25th February 2009 opening hours Monday to Thursday from 4pm to 8pm. We would encourage everyone to come along to this free event.

M&S Support Trust for Homelessness Sunday
Staff at the Harlequin store are wearing orange wristbands on Sunday 25th January & 1st February, to commemorate Poverty and Homelessness Action Week. Donation slips, with further information about the work of Watford New Hope Trust are also being placed at till points across the shop, to give customers every chance to make a pledge. Watford Observer Newspaper has not missed the chance to get photo's of this event, and it is hoped that by highlighting this important national day, the work of the Trust will gain further recognition and support.

Bag Packing Goes Cracking!
The penultimate day before Christmas brought lots of cheer, with £822.19 raised packing shoppers bags in the Food Hall at Marks & Spencer.

The Harlequin based store was jam packed with last minute buyers, who were very appreciative to have some extra help bagging their turkey and sprouts! Between 10am and 5pm, all 8 till points were used to raise valuable money for Watford New Hope Trust, where volunteers could be clearly seen, by their warm smiles, and bright white, fetching T-shirts! (As is now tradition, director Mike was once again with a hat!)

Well done, and a big thank you to all those who helped on the day, not forgetting Lee, and Margaret, and the M&S team, who invited us for the day.

Warm response to cold Sleep Out
On Friday 5th December, Trust Director Mike Smith and four other team members completed a very chilly, but successful Sleep Out, at the St Albans Abbey.
Here's the photo's to prove it! And what the team had to say:

"Party time seems a funny name for a sleep-out to support the cause of homeless people. Last Friday night was just that – party time. Despite the rain, the temperature, and perhaps because of the ever-present floodlights, the chatting went on until 03:00. Earlier in the night my sleep had been disturbed by a ruck of screaming kids playing touch rugby by my feet. As I was now wide awake, I glanced round and was taken aback to see a giant 20’ monster jumping along the nave wall. I am generally a quick-witted guy but, at that time in the morning, it took me a little time to realise it was no more than a kid in a sleeping bag bouncing between groups; enlarged by the floodlights.
The sleep-out is a fun event intended to raise awareness and funds for four Hertfordshire charities dealing with homeless people. And I’m glad to say it achieved both."
Mike Smith, Director Watford New Hope Trust

"I appreciate afresh how hard it is for anyone to have to sleep rough. We had a secure compound, the right equipment, were well fed and could get warm if we needed so how anyone survives night after night in the winter without shelter I can’t imagine."
Jane Broughton

"I was so tempted to take something to numb the pain of cold, noise, bright lights and feeling downright shabby! Just an innocent brandy or two! And that's when I realised how easy it must be for those sleeping rough to succumb to a slippery slope of worn down, drugged out escapism. Homelessness is not a boy scout challenge. It's a last resort that would dismantle even the best of us. Thankfully it was just one night for 300+ brave individuals, and we made the best of it!"
Nathan Ray

Well done to all those who took part, and supported the charities involved. Keep an eye on the Autumn Schedule of the Events Page, if you would like to join in for Sleep Out 2009.

Staff Changes across our projects this Autumn
Congratulations to Rob Edmonds who has become Hostels Manager. Rob is now managing New Hope House and the Community Home, meaning that he has said a fond farewell to TST, where he has put in many years of hard work.

Congratulations and welcome to James Wilson who has taken on the role of TST manager.

Also, congratulations to Yordan Zhekov, Sharon Boultbee and John Banks. Yordan has taken on the role of Housing Management Supervisor at New Hope House, Sharon has recently started in her new post as Senior Project Worker at the Community Home and John has been appointed as Service User Supervisor at New Hope House. All the best to you in your new posts.

A few farewells: Sadly we have had to say goodbye to Andrew Tranter, Elaine Dean, Lauren Wilkinson and Riley Fisher. We wish you all the best as you move on and thank you for your years of hard work that you have given to the Trust.

Abseil is a leap of faith
An enthusiastic group of volunteers of all ages completed a 25m abseil down the side of St Mary's Church in the town centre on Saturday 20th September. This was the fourth year the Trust had held this event but the location was new and challenging.

The weather was warm and sunny for all those taking part. However it was not just their fear of heights the participants had to overcome to do the abseil but also confined spaces as they had to first climb up steep, spiral, stone staircase to reach the church tower.

Those who took part included a large group from Ascend, who were sharing the event, several staff members from Vinci and a very brave lady, Pam Reynolds, with cerebral palsy who did an assisted abseil.

Thank you to all our courageous supporters!

Big Herts Walk
On Sunday 14th September unexpectedly warm weather greeted around 350 participants of the Big Herts Walk. Numbers were up from last year and everyone was keen to enjoy the late summer sunshine.

Three local charities including the Trust are to benefit from the event which is promoted by Sigma Pharmaceuticals and sponsored by numerous local companies.

Also participating on the day was Watford MP, Claire Ward who helped to found the walk three years ago and completed it on Sunday with her husband John and baby Oliver.

The walk included a 3k circuit for those with children or less able to do the 10k two hour walk. Many did the full 10k walk and the first people across the line finished impressively under 2 hours.

Fun, Sun, 'Thunder & Lightning' make the perfect Community Home Holiday!
Ever been fishing and caught nothing? That happened to be the only disappointment to a 'magic' week for the Community Home's holiday in Cornwall. Trips to Flambards Theme Park, Newquay Zoo, Pitch & Putt and of course swimming off the stunning Cornish coast, were all highlights to a trip filled with sun, fun and laughter.

Staying near Hale, in a 6 bedroom, self-catering farm house was the 'perfect' way for the 6 clients, and 5 staff to spend a week away from the Community Home. Manager Rob Edmonds was delighted with the trip; 'Some of the guys were a little apprehensive in coming, but didn't stop smiling and laughing all week.' And Rob's favourite part of the holiday; 'Thunder & Lightning' Cornish cream teas, with swirls of syrup, fantastic!'

With such energetic days, and competitive evenings at the 'in house' pool table, the normal need for alcohol vanished, with the Clients continuing back at the Community Home with non-alcoholic beer; 'We're probably now the only dry 'Wet House' in the country,' commented project worker Riley Fisher; 'The marked change we've seen in the guys, since the trip is amazing.' A dose of sea air, and some overdue sun burn was obviously just the ticket for the guys at the Community Home. Maybe if someone had suggested they cast their nets over the other side...

Big Herts Walk 2008
After the success of last years Big Herts Walk when we teamed up with Watford Mencap and The Peace Hospice and more than 200 people turned with £24,000 being raised this years event is go! 

This beautiful 10K walk and 3K childrens walk through Cassiobury park on Sunday 14th September starts at 12:00pm at Cha Cha Cha cafe. There will also be medals, prizes and live music with a range of children's entertainment.

This year we have even more support from our sponsors who include Sigma Pharmaceuticals, Camelot, Total, The Mothercare Foundation and Telecom Resource.

So join in the fun a please visit the Big Herts Walk website to register!

Car Boot Success
The Community Home's staff and clients held a car boot sale in Redbourn recently and raised over £280 for their holiday in Cornwall later this month. We would like to thank everyone who donated items for the car boot and especially to Eluned who organised the event.

There is still another £750 to find to pay for the holiday so another car boot sale is planned. All donations are welcome. Please contact Rob on 01923 334083 or at redmonds@wnht.org if you can help.

Winning Homelessness Poems
We would like to congratulate the following students of Immanuel College, Bushey for their winning entries to a poetry competition about homelessness: Olivia Chody, Benjamin Wilson, Chana Bernstein, Raz Benson, Hanna Baderman, Chloe Calman, Rachel Turek, Bethany Schneiderman, Liora Goldberg and Jaimee Piaquadio.

Years 7-9 have been looking at the issue of homelessness and poverty in Britain. Mike Smith gave an informative talk in assembly and pupils continued their work in lessons. They were then asked to submit work for a competition for which they had to create an empathetic poem or story; the winners were taken to the Trust, where they visited most of our projects.

The winners then presented an assembly to the rest of the school.

The poems are now available on our new Poetry page.

A Grand Day Out
We would like to thank everyone who made our annual Market Garden & Furniture Recycling Open day on Wednesday 14th May such a great success. Guests, staff and clients (as well the weather) all pulled together to make the day highly enjoyable with lots of produce sold by both projects.

The event was held at the Watford New Hope Trust Community Home and visitors had the opportunity to see our beautiful Market Garden in full swing as well as demonstrations and produce from our Wood and Furniture Recycling Scheme.

Please visit the Gallery for some pictures of the day.

Sweet Pea Plants Now Available
Healthy sweet pea plants lovingly grown by the Garden project are now available.  "Spencer Variety" plants in beautiful colours with an amazing fragrance a snip at .50p per pot (5 plants per pot).

Please ring Elaine on 01923 831923 to place your order. Delivery service available.

Market Garden & Furniture Recycling Open day
Please join us on Wednesday 14th May to at the Watford New Hope Trust Community Home at 64 Rickmansworth Road for our annual Open Day from 1pm until 4pm.

As well as the opportunity to see our beautiful Market Garden in full swing we will have demonstrations and produce from our Wood and Furniture Recycling Scheme.

Please RSVP to Elaine Dean - 01923 831923 or John Swallow - 01923 800028.

Congratulations to
Sarah Hamlin who has been promoted to Workshops Supervisor and Becks Heyhoe to Day Centre Supervisor at The Haven day centre.  Barbora Miltova promoted to Night Team Leader and Annette Davis to Cluster Flat Supervisor at The Sanctuary night shelter. 

and Welcome to
Emily Vesey and Simon Jones who have joined the The Haven day centre and to Riley Fisher who has started at The Community Home.

A big thanks to
St Mary's Church in Harefield for their kind donation of just under £3000, Holy Cross Church in Sarratt who raised £500 and to St Mary's Church in Watford who have bravely given us permission to use their spire for our Sponsored Abseil on Saturday 20th September.

We would also like to thank all churches for their ongoing prayers for the Trust.

Urgent Request
Due to the increase in client numbers we have seen at The Haven day centre over the last few months there is now a shortage of tinned soup. All types and quantaties would be a gratefully received. If you are able to help please contact The Haven day centre on 01923 801382.

A big thank you to
the following for the fantastic donations we have recently received:

St Andrew's Church in Chorleywood who recently sent us £7000 as part of their Christmas Collections,
St Paul's Church in Chipperfield for their donation of £950,
West Watford Christian Fellowship for the £500 they raised and
John Lewis of Watford who donated over £200 in money and gifts.

Also our Christmas Campaign this year has seen a return of over £8000 in total in addition to the previous donations so a big thanks to all our individual supporters.

Mental Health at The Haven
During March, staff at The Haven day centre are promoting 'mental health awareness'. The aim is to provide information and share experiences about mental illness in a sensitive way and to make known the help available for individuals and their families.

To find out more about this complex subject the following websites are an excellent resource.

www.rethink.org

www.mind.org.uk

www.mentalhealth.org.uk

www.sane.org.uk

Janet Hosier - An Inspiration
All at the Trust are deeply saddened by the death on 14th of February of co-founder and trustee of the Watford New Hope Trust.

Janet Hosier died peacefully on Thursday 14th February after a long illness which only incapacitated her during her final days.

Janet was instrumental in developing Watford New Hope Trust for over 17 years as a volunteer. She did pioneering work amongst the homeless of Watford in the late 80's, even to the point of inviting them into her home. With Sheila Meaning, also a founder member of the Trust, they obtained two coaches with land to put them on (where the Haven Day Centre is today) to continue their 'mission of compassion' with food, clothing and support to the homeless.

Janet was inspired by the words in Isaiah 58 verse 7 'What I'm interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad…'

Janet Hosier Thanksgiving Service:
Monday 25 February at 2pm. St Andrew's Church Chorleywood.
For more details please contact Carol on 01923 210680 or email info@wnht.org

Spring Newsletter Now Out
For all the Latest News from the Trust the Spring 2008 Newsletter is now available to view or download in a PDF format.

Included in the Newsletter is a special section about co-founder and trustee Janet Hosier who sadly passed away on 14th February 2008.  Her story is told in the autobiography 'Entertaining Angels'.  For more details on the book please see the following article.

Entertaining Angels in the shops now
Entertaining Angels by Janet Hosier and Liza Hoeksma which is Janet's story about the beginning of her lifetime's work with the homeless of Watford is now on sale.

As well as being available from Watford New Hope Trust's Charity Shop in Queens Road, Watford or at Amazon UK it is now also available at Borders in Watford and London Colney.

Entertaining Angels is published by Kingsway
ISBN 978-1-842913-33-8

All proceeds from the book go to
Watford New Hope Trust.

Big Herts Walk Success
On Wednesday 6th February local MP, Claire Ward and Managing Director of Sigma Pharmaceuticals, Barat Shah, were delighted to present 3 local charities with a generous donation.

These donations are proceeds from the 2007 Big Herts Walk held in Cassiobury Park in September. More than 200 people turned up to take part in the walk which included a 10k route and a shorter 3k route. Over £24,000 was raised from the walk and split between Watford Mencap, The Peace Hospice and Watford New Hope Trust.

Claire Ward, Patron of the Big Herts Walk, said: 'Barat and I are delighted to be able to award these donations. Each of the 3 charities does invaluable work within our community and we'd like to thank everyone who took part in the Big Herts Walk for raising money to support them. We encourage everyone to put the date for the 2008 walk in their diaries - Sunday 14th September'.

The Big Herts Walk committee would like to thank the sponsors of the walk, Total, Camelot, Sigma and Telecom Resource.

(source - Big Herts Walk publicity team)

For more details on this years event please email Pete Belfield at pbelfield@wnht.org.

Healthy eating at The Haven
January is healthy eating month at The Haven day centre. The following links are useful for anyone that would like help and advice on health and diet.

Healthier Eating - Government
Heath and Well being - The Site
Health - The BBC

If you would like to make a donation to The Haven day centre to support the Healthy Eating campaign please call Wade Dingle on
01923 801382 or email wdingle@wnht.org

In need of advice & support?
On our Homepage we now have a link to our new Advice and Support section. This provides links to support services both locally and nationally and covers a wide range of topices from drug and alcohol addiction through mental heath to youth support.

If you would like to recommend any websites that you feel may be beneficial for the Advice and Support section please email suggestions to wnht.info@googlemail.com

Congratulations to
Joy Ross who has been appointed Services Director, Bob Milligan who is now manager of The Sanctuary night shelter and Wade Dingle as the new manager of The Haven day centre.  We wish them all the best of luck in the future with their challenging new roles.

There is now a vacancy for assistant manager at The Sanctuary and for full details please visit out Vacancies page.

Another Sleepout Success
We would like to thank all the participants and volunteers of our Sponsored Sleepout 2007. The event at St Mary's Church on Friday 30th November was a great success with over 100 people sleeping out. There were also over 30 volunteers that dedicated their time to helping throughout the event.

For the full story of the evening please have a look at the Sleepout press release.

There are now some photographs of the event available in the Gallery.

All Wrapped Up
As part of our fundraising we are teaming up with The Harlequin Centre and Barclays to take part in a charity gift wrap.

The 'Charity Gift Wrapping Day' will take place on Friday 21st December from 11am to 9pm located between Marks and Spencer and The Disney Store. Money raised will not only go to the Trust but Barclays will also match the proceeds and The Harlequin are providing the wrapping paper and ribbons.

Volunteers are required to help with the event for shifts of 2 - 3 hours. If you can help please email Sian Rolls at srolls@wnht.org or call 01923 210680.

Charity Shop Christmas
Please join us on November 16th at the Charity Shop, 67 Queens Road for our Christmas Launch. Upstairs will be dedicated to Christmas with a huge range of gifts available. For more details the Charity Shop can be contacted on 01923 236698.