A Visit to Downing Street, a New CEO...What a Start to 2026!

 
007b5733-7247-4aad-9e9a-731b76
 
What a start to 2026! As well as one of our staff visiting Downing Street, this week our new CEO, David Westwood, started. There will be a variety of ways people can get to know David in the coming months, but here's what he has to say about his first week...
909a1e8c-e58c-4274-86d7-523a1d
"One week in!  So much to take in already in just 5 days.  As I start to settle in, I find a great team of truly committed people determined to make the world a better place.  I am struck by the immense generosity of our volunteers and of the many churches and local businesses that support our work.  I feel excited by the potential inHope has - in partnership with others - to have an ever greater impact on hunger and homelessness here in Bristol.   I am also slightly daunted by all that I have yet to learn!  The good thing is that God is with us - this is His work - and what a privilege it is to be part of bringing hope and building a world where everyone can experience life in all its fulness."
 
 
A visit to the heart of government!
You may remember reading about Lauren, our Local Organiser, and her campaigning at Westminster to scrap the two-child benefit cap. 
Well, Lauren had the privilege of being invited to a reception held by the UK Chancellor, Rt Hon Rachel Reeves, as a representative of inHope and Trussell, in recognition for the campaigning efforts to end hunger and inequality. 
1e997c10-aa1e-4df2-ae99-f31541
 
 
Women's Breakfast update
The women only breakfast on a Thursday morning in the Wild Goose is proving to be a success. Yesterday, 16 women attended. Women are coming not only for breakfast but for a safe and warm space where staff and volunteers are available to talk with and get help. Some women have felt so safe in the space that they have had a sleep in the corner. 
Female volunteers needed
Women's breakfast support volunteer (Thursday mornings, 8am - 11am)
Chaplain volunteer (Thursday mornings, 8am - 11am)
Group activity volunteer (Wednesdays, 12:30pm - 4:15pm)
Creative wellbeing group volunteer (Mondays, 1:30pm - 3pm)
Find out more about these roles and get in touch: https://www.inhope.uk/get-involved/volunteer/
Please pass on to anyone you feel would be great in these roles. Thank you.
 
5c3cc1c3-9da5-481f-bfeb-e6f1a5

A Big Give thank you!

Your response to our annual Christmas appeal, through the Big Give matched giving campaign, was utterly amazing! The grand total raised, after gift aid, was an incredible £113,943!

A Big Give thank you to everyone who donated and made pledges. Your support will enable people who are rough sleeping to be able to have safe, warm shelter, and support to move on from homelessness.
 
 
Job Opportunities
 
Finance Officer (Part time, 15 hours per week)
Responsibilities will include recording of income and expenditure transactions and regular bank reconciliation on our Xero accounting software, whilst supporting other financial processes such as Gift Aid claims. 
Find out more and apply here: https://www.inhope.uk/get-involved/work-with-us/
Female Waking Night Support Workers (bank)
 
inHope's vision is of communities where everybody can reach their God-given potential, free from injustice and insecurity. 

Your support will make this vision a reality.

Thank you for reading this edition of our monthly e-newsletter. Visit our website and social media to find out more about us and how you can get involved by volunteering, donating, praying, and spreading the word! 
I'd love to hear from you with any questions, comments or encouragements you may have to share with me or the rest of the inHope team. 

Sarah
Senior Communications Officer
 
Posted: January 2026