What's happening at Hope Nottingham?
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July 2024
In this month's issue, we look at where our foodbanks get donations from and where these donations go, announce some exciting Oxjam news, celebrate our new Carlton Community Meal, and show appreciation to some of our corporate supporters...
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A summer of Hope
Dear Dominique,
As the schools break up and August beckons, many people will be looking forward to time away from the usual routine. Whether it's a holiday away from home or simply a chance to catch some sun (hopefully!) in the garden, time to recharge and refresh is important for our health and wellbeing.
Sadly, for many of the most vulnerable in our communities, escaping the pressures of their situations is not possible. Poverty, debt and hunger don't take holidays. That's why, whatever your summer looks like, we are so grateful for your ongoing support. With your help we are able to bring Hope into the lives of local people who really need it.
Thank you for your continued support.
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"The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world's joy"
Henry Ward Beecher
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Keeping our food banks stocked...
Our 14 food bank locations across Nottingham provide vital emergency food parcels for people going through periods of crisis. All our food banks rely on the goodwill and generosity of donors to keep them supplied with food and with regret, we have seen a 26% decrease in donated food levels from previous years. As seen below, we are particularly reliant on people donating to supermarket collection points. However, whether from an individual or an organisation, donated in person or via a supermarket collection point, each and every donation is hugely appreciated and allows us to carry on helping those in need. You can find out about what items we need most and where to donate them, here.
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Our emergency food parcels provide enough food for three days worth of balanced meals for people referred to us by our registered referral partners. Our network serves many areas of greater Nottingham, helping those in need in different communities (shown below). Behind each statistic are real people with real stories - and each emergency food parcel is about more than just food. Our food bank volunteers provide a warm welcome, a listening ear and non-judgemental support, to help people regain hope in their lives, signposting to other support services. | |
If you or your organisation could hold a food collection or parcel packing event, host a food donation point, help fundraise for us, or have other ideas to support our foodbanks, we'd love to hear from you! Get in touch. | |
Oxjam supporting Hope
We are delighted to have been chosen along with the fantastic Middle Street Resource Centre, as one of the local charities supported by this year's Oxjam Beeston music festival. This will take place on Saturday 5th October at venues across Beeston. Oxjam Beeston has been running since 2011 with over 1000 artists and bands performing at venues across the town over the years. In total, Oxjam Beeston has raised over £200,000 for Oxfam as well as supporting local charities. Last year's event saw 125 acts give their time for free to perform across 20 different venues raising over £26,000. You can find out more about what's in store for this year's event on the Oxjam website or Facebook page. We can't wait to see you there!
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Thanks to our corporate supporters
We are always grateful for the support we receive from local businesses both financially and through practical support. Over the last few weeks we have had several groups of volunteers from local businesses who have mowed grass, weeded flower beds, helped on our allotment and helped with other jobs around our premises we ordinarily just don't have the time to get done!
If you, your business or organisation have any interesting or innovative ideas to support our work, we'd love to hear them! Do get in touch.
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Volunteer groups from Boots No7 and Authentise helping to keep the grounds of Hope House looking shipshape! | |
Cooking for the community in Carlton!
Building on the success of our monthly community meal at Hope House in Beeston, we were keen to start a similar event at our Carlton Community Hub. Thanks to the efforts of a hugely enthusiastic and hardworking volunteer team working alongside Liv, our Friendship Projects Coordinator, we have recently held our second monthly Carlton Community Meal. Working on the same model as the meal at Beeston, the event, held on the fourth Monday of each month, features a two course meal cooked by our fantastic volunteers on a pay-as-you-feel basis. Our first two events have been well attended with local people enjoying good food and a chance to meet and spend time with other members of the community.
The team will be having a well deserved rest in August due to the bank holiday, but will return for September. Please do drop into our Carlton Hub to find out more about this and the many other activities on offer.
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We need you!
We are currently looking for volunteers to help us in a number of different areas. If you (or some else you know!) can drive or load a van, cook a decent fried egg, weed a vegetable patch, help with fundraising or just want to make a difference to the local community, you may be who we're looking for! Volunteering not only benefits local people, but can also improve your own confidence, skills and wellbeing. Why not check out our current volunteer vacancies here.
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Hope Community meals
Our next pay-what-you-can meal is on Tuesday 13th August at Hope House, Beeston.
Please note our Carlton Community Meal (see above) will be taking a break for August due to the Bank Holiday, but will return in September!
Our community meals are a great chance to enjoy a delicious meal cooked by our wonderful volunteers and to get to know others in the community. Why not bring a friend?
We'd love to see you there! Let us know you are coming by calling on 0303 040 1110 or by email.
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Final thoughts...
This month, our reflection comes from Lauren, our Chaplain, who reflects on how we are able to ask God for those things we hope and dream for. You can read her reflection here.
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Thank you
We love hearing from you - please do call in for a chat, arrange a tour or visit our website for more ways to get involved with our work. You can also follow us on facebook here.
Every blessing,
From the Hope Nottingham team
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