Our missionWatford New Hope Trust (WNHT) exists to serve homeless and vulnerably-housed people by providing accommodation and opportunities to rebuild damaged lives. Founded upon Christian values, which are at the core of our operation, we support people regardless of faith.
We house over 50 people every night and help over 600 homeless people every year through accommodation, support and development services.
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CHAIRMAN & CEO’s WELCOMEOverview 2011/12our servicesoutreachday centremental health supporttenancy sustainment teamcentral support teamclient storiescentral support team (Continued)
sanctuary night shelterCommunity HomeNEW HOPE HOUSEMOVE ON HOSTELSworkshopsfurniture SCHEMEmarket gardenfinances 2011/12thank you
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CEO & CHAIRMAN’s welcomeWe begin this 2012 Annual Review by saying THANK YOU to everyone who has been involved with the work of Watford New Hope Trust (WNHT) over the last year. You have enabled us to provide accommodation, support and development services to 617 homeless and vulnerably-housed individuals in Watford. We are extremely grateful to God for everyone who has made this possible.
In the past year homelessness has continued to increase across the UK and this is no different in Watford. Excluding periods of changeover between residents, our 50 beds were full throughout the year. In addition, we have witnessed a ‘bottleneck’ effect in the past year as the flow through our services has slowed down due to a lack of affordable accommodation beyond the Trust. However, towards the end of the year we were pleased to be awarded funding from the Homelessness Transition Fund, which will enable us to provide six additional emergency beds and more help to first-time homeless people over the next three years.
We celebrated our 22nd birthday in March with a themed event, entitled Love Never Fails. Love is imperative to the way we work and it is the reason
behind our existence. The biblical definition of love explains that, among other things, it is patient and kind, it never gives up, it always perseveres, it always hopes and it never fails. In these challenging times, love is the reason why we will not give up helping those in need. Also, love motivates us to continue to provide the most comprehensive homelessness support programme in the Watford area.
Finally, we would like to share with you some recent and encouraging words spoken by our Member of Parliament, Richard Harrington:
‘For me, the New Hope Trust typifies what’s the best in Watford. It offers so much. So much love and decency and hard work and effort is given by everyone – employees, trustees, volunteers, and everybody alike.’
In addition to Mr Harrington’s words, we recognise that so much is also given by our supporters. Once again, thank you! We do hope you will enjoy reading more about our recent work in the following pages.
MIKE SMITH (CEO) &the REVD MIKE JONES (CHAIRMAN)
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OVERVIEW 2011/12Of the 617 people supported by us this year 84% were male, 40% suffered from
mental health problems, 39% suffered alcohol addiction and 24% suffered from illegal
substance misuse. The overwhelming majority of homelessness was caused as a result
of emotional, physical and financial poverty. When asked for the triggering cause of
homelessness, our service users gave the following reasons:
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Life circumstances (22%)
Eviction by landlord (20%)
Asked to leave by friends or family (17%)
Relationship breakdown (15%)
Undisclosed (12%)
Discharged from prison (6%)
House repossession (3%)
Domestic violence (3%)
Property - unsuitable conditions (2%)
WHY?
35 - 43 (26%)
26 - 34 (22%)
44 - 52 (18%)
20 - 25 (13%)
53 - 59 (10%)
Undisclosed (5%)
18 - 19 (3%)
60 - 64 (2%)
65 + (1%)
AGE
The average age of our service users was 40 (94% were aged between 20 and 60). A
breakdown of service users by age can be seen in the following graph:
Throughout the year, our houses and hostels operated at capacity. In this sense, our
overall occupancy of 92% is somewhat misleading and requires explanation. This figure
takes into account periods of changeover, when rooms are empty for cleaning and
maintenance work. Very occasionally, our rooms are unoccupied when we are faced
with issues surrounding eviction and criminal investigations.
In terms of future developments, at the end of the year we were successful in a three-
year funding bid for £250,000 from the Homelessness Transition Fund. This will enable
us to improve our emergency accommodation and outreach services over the coming
years.
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White British (71%)
White other (9%)
African (5%)
Caribbean (3%)
Undisclosed (3%)
White & Black Caribbean (2%)
White & Black African (2%)
Any other mixed background (1%)
Indian (1%)
Pakistani (1%)
Bangladeshi (1%)
Any other Asian background (1%)
Ethnicity
A marked change, when comparing this year’s statistics to last, is that the ethnic make-
up of our service users has been noticeably different. In 2010/11 approximately 82%
of our service users were white British; whereas this year that figure has reduced to
71%. This difference is explained by the rise in the number of people who came to the
UK from abroad to work and, having lost their jobs, they were ineligible for benefit
entitlement. Such people have been extremely vulnerable to homelessness. A more
detailed breakdown of service users by ethnicity is as follows:
OUR SERVICES‘Watford New Hope Trust is Watford Borough Council’s preferred provider of homelessness services because it offers real wrap-around care, from a street doorway to a stable home.’
Dorothy Thornhill MBE, Elected Mayor of Watford
We offer a very comprehensive service to homeless and vulnerably-housed people,
which can be explained in the following three categories:
Street Outreach (floating support)
Day Centre
Mental Health Worker (floating support)
Tenancy Sustainment Team (floating support)
Central Support Team
SUPPORT SERVICES
The Sanctuary Night Shelter (emergency accommodation)
The Community Home (a ‘damp’ house)
New Hope House (a ‘dry’ house)
The Sanctuary Cluster Flats (move-on accommodation)
The Manse (move-on accommodation)
Alpha Court (move-on accommodation)
ACCOMMODATION
Workshops
Market Gardening Scheme
Furniture Restoration Scheme
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
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Further information about each of these services can be found in the following pages.
STREET OUTREACHTHIS YEARThe average age of rough sleepers was 35
The most common reason for homelessness was due to financial poverty
More than 200 individuals were supported this year
Our Street Outreach Team works alongside rough sleepers and other homeless people by offering guidance on issues relating to accommodation and statutory benefits.
This year we saw a large rise in the number of
people who are facing homelessness purely
because of their economic circumstances.
Many had lost their jobs (in the UK and
abroad) while others had experienced a
decrease in their statutory benefit payments.
Disappointingly, many of these people were
former service users of the Trust, who were
in need of our support again. Although many
of these people had settled into their own
accommodation, they remained living on the
margins of society and, as a consequence,
they were the first to fall victim to changes in
benefit entitlements. We are always available
to people such as these.
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‘Outreach gave me advice about housing which meant I didn’t lose my flat and was able to resolve things with the council’
DAY CENTREThe Haven Day Centre provides a drop-in service to homeless and vulnerably-housed people in Watford. Clients receive housing advice, hot food, clean clothes and can also use the washing and laundry facilities.
God’s love has an enormous impact on the
way we run the Day Centre both practically
and spiritually. We feed people hot meals, we
can supply clean clothes and we have shower
and laundry facilities on site. We also provide
volunteer opportunities to service users in
the kitchen, which boosts their confidence.
But the support we offer our service users
is more than practical. For instance, when
clients are sharing their issues with us we
offer to pray for them and many appreciate
this.
We believe in a structured approach at
the Day Centre and insist that individuals
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‘The Day Centre supported me from the streets. It was the first step for me getting a place’
THIS YEARBetween 60 and 70 people visited every day
17 volunteers helped on a regular basis
250 individuals were supported
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attending the centre abide by our rules and
engage positively with our services. For
example, we have a zero tolerance policy for
drug and alcohol use or dealing, and we don’t
tolerate abuse, lying, swearing and violence.
Occasionally we have had to ban people, but
they know that the door is open to them again
once the ban is up. We’re always prepared to
give people a second chance and we are pleased
to forgive any misdemeanours that have been
committed.
Over the last year, we have seen a number of
clients who have come for help because they
have lost their jobs, used up all their savings and
have run out of friends to put them up.
There have been several deaths over the last 12
months, which is always extremely difficult for
all at the Day Centre. Sadly, this is part of the
consequences of some of our clients’ lifestyles.
The frequency of life’s ups and downs is intense
at the Day Centre, which means that every day
is full of surprises!
‘We’re always prepared to give people a second chance’
MENTAL HEALTHSUPPORTThe Mental Health Floating Support Worker provides specialist advice, one-to-one support and links with other health agencies.
Over this year, we have seen more and more people struggling with debt problems. Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health issues that we see and these are often money-related – particularly where eligibility for sickness benefits has been cut.
A concern which has been highlighted over the past year is that, for many of our service users, statutory services are failing their needs. The full extent and impact of statutory benefit cuts will be felt over the coming year.
During Mental Health Week in October 2011 we ran a series of workshops in conjunction with the workshop programme. Themes included ‘Eating Healthily’, ‘Keeping fit’ and ‘Noticing the world around us’.
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‘My support worker has helped me gain independence and see things in a different light. It has been excellent for my mental health.'
THIS YEAR46 individuals were supported by our Mental Health Floating Support Worker
The most common type of mental health problem was depression
40% of WNHT service users suffered mental health issues
tenancy sustainment teamThe Tenancy Sustainment Team (TST) provides support to former homeless people who are now living in their own accommodation. Their aim is to prevent homelessness.
Over the past year TST have provided three
core areas of support to people who are
considered to be ‘vulnerably-housed’: (1)
pre-tenancy, (2) tenancy and (3) community
support.
Pre-tenancy involves helping service
users to understand a tenant’s rights
and responsibilities. We assist in
obtaining appropriate benefits and we
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‘TST are such a great source of knowledge and support.’
THIS YEAR88 individuals were supported
86 people maintained their tenancy
20 people successfully completed four pre-tenancy courses
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accompany service users to view prospective
accommodation. We ran four pre-tenancy
courses throughout the year, which
included sessions on budgeting, cookery and
relationship management. These courses
increased the likelihood of people sustaining a
tenancy.
Over the past year TST helped many people
to move into their own accommodation and
manage their tenancies. We assisted with
the renewal of housing applications, tenancy
agreements and benefit claims. Incredibly,
84 of the 86 people that TST worked with
throughout the year were prevented from
homelessness.
In terms of community support, in the
past year we provided our service users
with opportunities to interact with their
community through fortnightly coffee
mornings and day trips.
Over the year, we have persisted in reaching
out to our service users even when they seem
to be turning their backs on the help which
is offered. We never close the door on a
client, but we do require them to make steps
towards us in order to receive our help.
‘We never close the door on a client’
CENTRAL SUPPORTTeamThe Central Support Team is responsible for administration, facilities maintenance, finance (including the collection of housing benefits), communications, fundraising, HR, IT and retail.
We have seen a great deal of change within
the Central Support Team this year. In
particular we said farewell to Pip Leese, our
Human Resources Director, who retired after
13 years of faithful service to the Trust.
Our finance team have been grappling with
forthcoming changes to the housing benefit
system and our maintenance supervisor
has done a fantastic job in looking after our
various buildings across Watford, and helping
when anything or anyone needs moving!
Throughout the year the Central Support
Team has supported the 214 volunteers
(70 of whom regularly give their time) and
77 members of staff who are at work in 10
locations across Watford and Chorleywood.
Fundraising & COMMUNICATIONSWe are extremely grateful to everyone
who has supported the Trust, particularly
in this prevailing economic downturn.
Through various means, the Trust’s needs
were met through the generosity of the
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local community. We ran a number of successful
fundraising events during the year, all of which
generated a surplus and all of which involved our
service users. Events included an Abseil Challenge
from St Mary’s Church tower (which raised more
than £9,000) and three sleepouts (one in the
summer and two in the winter). We’re particularly
grateful to Dami Siyanbola, who ran the London
Marathon, to Jane Lacey, who took part in a half-
marathon, Chris Ellis, who cycled from Lands End
to John o’Groats and to Symphonia Academica
who organised a concert of classical music to raise
money for the Trust. We were also thankful to
the many schools, local church youth groups and
West Herts College, who all got involved with
Watford New Hope Trust this year.
We enjoyed our most overwhelming Harvest
since records began, which generated more than
£80,000 worth of food and toiletries for people in
need. We spoke about our work to 9,550 people
at 64 talks in 58 different places, had donations
from 151 schools, churches, community groups
and companies and were helped by a team of
fantastic volunteers who collected donations,
sorted items and then distributed to our different
services.
We celebrated a very successful year in terms of awareness-raising and generating
new supporters. We appeared in radio interviews on BBC Three Counties Radio and
Vibe FM three times during the year and articles about our work were featured in the
local press on more than 60 occasions. In addition, we enjoyed working with Watford
Football Club, whose players warmed-up wearing our T-shirts during their last game
of the season. Harry the Hornet took part in our abseil event and they organised a
Christmas Carol service for our benefit. Also, we launched our new website at
www.wnht.org and we became active in the world of social media.
CLIENT STORies
I grew up locally, living with my mum
and sister, but not my dad. At school, I
wasn’t great – I was good at the learning,
I just got into trouble a bit, so I didn’t get
many GCSEs. I then went to college and
got my level 2 in plastering.
I became homeless after my mum and
I lost the house we were renting, so
I stayed on the sofa at my sisters for
about six months and then heard about
Watford New Hope Trust.
I applied to get into New Hope House
and was accepted. So I moved in, and
lived there for five weeks. I then moved
into the Manse as I needed to get work
and the rent at New Hope House is
too expensive when you stop claiming
benefits.
The Trust really encouraged me to get
work and helped me get back on my
feet again. I’ve stayed in the Manse
for nine months, and for the last three
I’ve been working in catering in a local
department store.
Life is better now. I enjoy working and
I’m just about to move into my own
place. I feel less worried about the
future. I hope to one day have a lovely
flat, to progress in my work, and to
continue to get qualifications.
My perception of homelessness has
totally changed in that I now know how
easy it is to become homeless. I’m never
going to become homeless again.
BOBBY’s STORY (AGE 20)
‘The Trust really encouraged me to get work and helped me get back on my feet again.’
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JILL’s STORY (AGE 49)
I met my partner almost twenty years
ago, and we lived together in Watford
until last year. Throughout that time
we had various houses together. We
both worked, but we also liked to drink.
Ten years ago, when my mother died, I
started to drink more heavily, and when
I drank we’d get into a lot of arguments.
Our relationship broke down in the
March of 2011, when my partner
applied to court for a single tenancy.
After a bit of trouble, I ended up getting
arrested and sentenced and was sent
to prison in Peterborough. I served my
sentence and when I got out of prison, I
had a black bag for my possessions and
was released on to the streets.
I made my way back to Watford and
stayed for two nights in a hotel and then
my money ran out. Then I was told that I
could be helped if I attended the Haven
Day Centre.
After going to the Day Centre, I was
referred to the Sanctuary Night Shelter
and got a bed and a room. The staff
were amazingly helpful and it was
reassuring to know that I would have up
to 28 nights with a roof over my head.
Throughout this time I got a place and
moved into New Hope House.
It’s been good to have a place to sleep,
a place where I can stay clean and a
place where I can be helped to find
somewhere more permanent to live. I’m
able to speak to staff whenever I need
support – they’ve helped me so much. I
thank God that I’m here.
I’m desperate to have my own place
though and I look forward to getting
settled in a flat one day.
‘I’m able to speak to staff whenever I need support. – They’ve helped me so much.’
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RETAILThis year saw us open a new charity shop in
Chorleywood – the home town of Janet Hosier,
one of our co-founders. The little shop on Lower
Parade opened in November 2011 and was filled
to the rafters with stock, reflecting the amazing
generosity of the people of Chorleywood. We’re
thankful too for the support of local companies,
such as Costco, who donated samples for us to
sell and to our volunteers who have given so
freely of their time and energy.
Mike Jones, Chair of Trustees, officially opened
the shop by cutting a ribbon of parcel tape
surrounded by cardboard boxes – symbolic of
the shelters many of our service users have used
THIS YEAR6,000 people visited our website
£433,385 was raised through fundraising
£221,987 was raised through retail
CENTRAL SUPPORTTeam (CoNTinueD)
‘We seek to give away as well as receive’
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when sleeping rough. Shoppers were entertained by a string quartet of talented pupils
from Watford Grammar School for Girls and we took £2,300 in sales!
Our charity shop in Watford continues to thrive, despite the struggles which other
charity shops have experienced. We have been blessed by an abundance of donations
of clothes, bric-a-brac, books and furniture from local people, and we have sought to
give as well as receive. We offer starter packs to service users who are about to start
again in their own accommodation, and pray for those in need.
The Watford shop is run entirely by volunteers including the shop manager, Polly
Odbert. Polly was short-listed this year for the Institute of Fundraising’s national
Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year award, in recognition of her many years of hard work
and joyful service. Well done Polly!
‘There’s a huge variety of interesting items at the shop. The staff are friendly, the service is efficient, and prices are reasonable. It’s nice to help people through a local charity’.
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SANCTUARY NIGHT SHELTERThis hostel is Watford’s only emergency accommodation. It provides individuals with short-stay accommodation, meals and laundry facilities. Staff work with other services to provide a tailored package for each person, as well as help towards moving into more stable accommodation.
This year, like many others, has been
challenging. We have struggled with a
shortage of staff and have spent a lot of
time and energy on recruitment. It has
been encouraging to see the highest ever
number of residents move-on positively
to more stable, secure and long-term
accommodation. Sadly, we have seen more
repeat stayers this year but we don’t give
up on our service users. We seek to offer
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No. OF BEDS:12
LEVEL OF SUPPORTStaff in residence 24/7
MAXIMUM STAY28 nights
THIS YEAR62% of people moved on positively
The average length of stay was 31 days
112 individuals benefitted from this service
The occupancy rate was 98%
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‘From day one I’ve had help and support from the key-workers. They have been very helpful, understanding, patient and tolerant.’
unconditional acceptance and support to people
regardless of what has happened in the past.
The Night Shelter has operated at capacity
throughout the year so, unfortunately, we often
have to turn people away. This situation led us to
apply for a grant from the Homelessness Transition
Fund to provide short-term basic accommodation
for those who are first-time homeless. We were
successful, and the new Transition Service will
launch in 2012/13. This funding will enable us to
provide six additional beds at the Night Shelter
and we will also launch Watford’s first 24/7 advice
line for people facing homelessness.
The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP)
operated during the winter period (when the
temperature fell to below zero degrees centigrade
for three consecutive nights). During this period,
15 people were supported at the Sanctuary.
‘We seek to offer unconditional acceptance’
COMMUNITY HOMEThe Community Home is a house offering long-term accommodation for people with alcohol addiction issues. Residents are allowed to drink a controlled amount of alcohol on the premises, with the aim of stopping drinking altogether. For this reason it is called a ‘damp’ house and it is the only hostel of this type in the Watford area.
During the past year the Community Home has been a safe place for men who have lost everything to begin to rebuild their lives. We don’t give up on the residents but give them every opportunity to engage with us and the help we offer.
Once again, a group of staff and residents went to Cornwall for a week’s holiday. The highlights included fishing, a trip to the Eden Project and plenty of games of pool!
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‘I’m really happy at the Community Home. I know they’re not my real family, but it feels like it. The staff are really good to me, they are brilliant at looking after me and taking me back, when I mess up.’
No. OF BEDS:5
LEVEL OF SUPPORTStaff in residence 24/7
MAXIMUM STAY2 years
THIS YEARThe average length of stay was 125 days
11 residents were supported
The occupancy rate was 97%
67% of people moved on positively
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NEW HOPE HOUSENew Hope House (NHH) is a hostel offering short-term accommodation to people who are not drinking (‘dry’) and stable. On arrival, each resident is assigned a key worker to provide support in preparing to move on to more independent accommodation and to encourage the development of skills needed to live away from hostel accommodation.
This year there were more female residents than in previous years. We also saw a greater number of service users who had become homeless because of redundancy or job loss.
We celebrated the house’s 18th birthday in October with 26 former and current residents, staff, volunteers, trustees and Friends of the Trust. We reminisced over gammon boiled in Coca-Cola!
No. OF BEDS:10
LEVEL OF SUPPORTStaff in residence 24/7
MAXIMUM STAY1 year
‘NHH is a great place the help is definitely there and available, but you have got to be willing to take it. There is always someone on duty you can talk to if things are tough.‘
THIS YEARThe average length of stay was 111 days
32 residents were supported
The occupancy rate was 92%
50% of people moved on positively
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MOVE-ON HOSTELSWe run three move-on hostels. All three exist to give residents a stepping stone from our services to independent living.
In the past year, more than 85% of the people supported through our move-on services were moved into more appropriate and stable accommodation. We were particularly encouraged by this figure, because an on-going problem that we face is a lack of access to accommodation beyond the Trust. For example, many private landlords are unwilling to rent to people coming from homelessness services. In addition, financial access to the private rented sector is often unattainable for most of our service users. For this reason, we hope to launch a rent deposit scheme for homeless individuals in the coming year.
Our three move-on services are summarised as follows:
‘The help and support I have received personally and witnessed for others has been both excellent and admirable at all levels.’
THIS YEARThe average length of stay was 153 days
34 residents were supported
The occupancy rate was 85%
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SANCTUARY CLUSTER FLATS The Cluster Flats are self-contained flats which provide space for residents to have independence whilst receiving support as and when it is required. This year we were able to enjoy an encouraging number of positive move-ons, given the lack of accessible accommodation beyond the Trust. We were particularly pleased to be able to help some relatively long-term residents to find their accommodation and pass them onto the capable hands of the TST. Towards the end of the year, we took one two-bed flat out of action, to bolster our emergency accommodation, which operates from the same building.
ALPHA COURTAlpha Court contains self-contained flats with Assured Short-hold Tenancies. Tenants are supported in finding permanent employment and planning a successful move to independent living. Each resident receives a low level of support from the Trust and are encouraged to develop the skills they will need to live independently. For example, cooking, cleaning, budgeting and grocery shopping.
THE MANSEThe Manse provides individual bedrooms, with a shared kitchen and living area. Previously part of New Hope House, in January 2010 the Manse became a residential project for people preparing to leave the support of hostel accommodation for good.
To prepare residents for living independently, the Manse is not staffed 24 hours a day, but support is provided through individual key-working sessions. Service users cook and clean for themselves and are offered support to move-on.
No. OF BEDS:13
LEVEL OF SUPPORTStaff on call 24/7
MAXIMUM STAY1 year
No. OF BEDS:6
LEVEL OF SUPPORTStaff on call 24/7
MAXIMUM STAY2 years
No. OF BEDS:4
LEVEL OF SUPPORTStaff on call 24/7
MAXIMUM STAY2 years
workshopsWe offer a wide variety of informal training and development workshops covering a range of activities.
This year saw an increase in the number and variety of workshops offered. Workshops included IT support, book club, cookery and Advice 4 U (individual advice sessions with an experienced volunteer). Three service users set up and ran their own workshops.
Through our Look Ahead sessions (in partnership with ASCEND), we have seen 15 clients make significant steps forward. Two went on to paid employment, one took and passed the Construction Scheme Certification Scheme, three took up courses at West Herts College and nine people took up places on other courses.
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‘The workshops helped me
meet new people in my
situation and made me
realise that I was not alone.
I’ve met some amazing
people, built on my current
skills and learnt and tried
new things!’
THIS YEAR199 individuals were supported
41 subjects were offered
FURNITURE schemeThis scheme offers service users the opportunity to learn skills in woodwork and furniture restoration. The service users restore donated gifts of furniture in our workshop. The furniture is then sold in a shop on Queens Road, Watford.
We are grateful for the many donations of furniture from members of the public that we have received throughout the year. We have also found that sales have increased as people are on the look-out for cheaper alternatives.
Throughout last year one of our main struggles was a lack of available storage and sales space. This constant problem has meant that we have been forced to turn away more furniture than we can accept. We managed to add a small amount of space to the shop during the year by opening up a disused basement below the shop floor, however space shortage remains a problem and we are on the lookout for additional premises in the coming year.
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‘Thanks to the help I’ve had, I’m now back on my feet and have stopped drinking.’
THIS YEAR23 individuals were supported
8 service users were ex-offenders
14 people suffered mental health issues
£12,079 was generated through furniture sales
MARKET GARDENThe garden is set in one acre of land in west Watford and it serves both homeless people and the community. Service users are offered ‘ecotherapy’ through teaching on horticulture, environmental awareness and healthy living.
In the past year, the garden has been a bridge
between WNHT and the local community
and this has enabled some really exciting
developments to take place. It has provided
a fantastic opportunity for us to host local
companies and groups of individuals who
are interested in knowing more about
homelessness, as well as gardening.
The substantial investment that we made
in the garden this year was the result of a
major change to our lease. Watford Borough
Council have granted us a 10 year lease,
which has given us much more certainty than
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THIS YEAR23 service users were committed to volunteering at this project
4 service users were ex-offenders
6 people were suffering from mental health issues
‘We nurture an environment where our service users feel free to share laughter, smiles as well as worries and concerns’
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‘I like coming to the Garden Project for the social interaction.
I have learnt many new skills since attending the project and
look forward to my days at the garden each week.’
we had with our previous three-year rolling
lease. With this new lease, WBC also threw in
an extra tranche of land for us to use! There will
be more exciting changes to report in the year
ahead and we hope to open up this service to
many more of our service users as a result.
We have been blessed throughout the year by
the help and support of a number of companies
who have served us by giving us their time.
such support has brought a new lease of life
to the garden. Thank you Tesco for the new
pond, Kraft for painting fences, Medtronic for
developing the woodland area, Skanksa for
putting in new paths and Barclays Bank for
buying and putting in paving slabs!
Towards the end of the year the ASDA
Foundation gave us a grant of £22,000 to buy
polytunnels, tools, a workshop, a toilet, fences
as well as funding for a new entrance way. These
important additions will enable us develop
the garden for our service users and the local
community in the years to come.
There is a real community spirit to our Market
Garden. We nurture an environment where our
service users feel free to share laughter, smiles
as well as worries and concerns. They believe
in what they are doing, they are committed and
they work as a team to get jobs done.
This year, our income and expenditure increased by 3% and 4% respectively in
comparison with the previous year. We enjoyed a very small surplus of £6,107. A more
detailed breakdown of income and expenditure is as follows:
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Statutory contract income (33%)
Housing Benefit (27%)
Retail (11%)
Fees, service-user contributions and other (9%)
Individuals (6%)
Local authority (6%)
Trusts & Foundations (4%)
Community Groups (3%)
Schools (0.5%)
Companies (0.4%)
Legacies (0.2%)
INCOME£1,904,535
EXPENDITURE £1,898,428
Sanctuary (Night Shelter & Cluster Flats) (29%)
New Hope House (15%)
Community Home (11%)
Haven Day Centre (10%)
Fundraising & Publicity (8%)
Tenancy Sustainment Team (6%)
Retail (5%)
Furniture Restoration (4%)
Street Outreach (3%)
The Manse (2%)
Market Garden (2%)
Alpha Court (2%)
Workshops (2%)
Governance (1%)
FINANCES 2011/12
Please note, the information above is a summary of our financial activities in the year
ending March 2012, approved by our trustees. Our full audited accounts are available
on the Charity Commission website. They can also be requested from our Head Office.
33
THANK YOUThis year, 617 homeless and vulnerably-housed people have been offered a ‘new
hope’ through our services. This has only been possible because of the supporters of
Watford New Hope Trust. If you have contributed to our work then, from the bottom
of our hearts, THANK YOU!
Of particular note, we would like to thank our 10 trustees, all of whom volunteer their
time to govern our work and pray for us. We would also like to thank every one of our
volunteers, particularly our committed shop workers and Day Centre helpers.
Throughout the year, our income was generated by 402 individuals (including 200
committed supporters – the Friends of WNHT – 12 of whom donated more than
£1,000 each), 87 churches, 83 schools, 35 other community groups (including 8
synagogues), 30 companies, 15 charitable trusts and 2 local authorities.
Particular thanks must be given to those who have supported us with gifts of c.£900
or more. These are as follows:
CHARitaBLE TRUSTS & FOUNDATIONS
29th May 1961 Charitable Trust
ASDA Foundation
Donald Forrester Trust
Dorema Charitable Trust
J and S Ford Charitable Trust
J Paul Getty Jnr Charitable Trust
Leavesden Lodge Benevolent Fund
Maurice and Hilda Laing Charitable
Trust
SMB Charitable Trust
The Souter Charitable Trust
faith & community groups
Bushey Baptist Church
Bushey Hall Lodge 2323
Cathedral & Abbey Church of St Alban
Christ Church Chorleywood
Christ Church Radlett
Christians Across Watford
Church of Our Lady and St Michael
Derby Road Baptist Church
Emmanuel Church Northwood
Rotary Club of Watford
Soul Survivor Watford Church
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St Andrew’s Church Chorleywood
St Edmund the King Northwood Hills
St George’s Day Charity Club
St James Road Baptist
St Lawrence’s Church Abbots Langley
St Lawrence’s Church Eastcote
St Luke’s Church Bricket Wood
St Luke’s Church Watford
St Mary’s Parish Church Watford
St Michael & All Angels Church Sunnyside
St Paul’s Church Chipperfield
Stanmore and Canons Park Synagogue
Watford Community Church
Watford Catenians
Watford Football Club
Watford Town Centre Chaplaincy
West Watford Free Baptist Church
COMPANIES
ACI Ltd
Avica
BRE
Costco Wholesale UK Ltd
Elstree Film Studios
Kraft Foods
Medtronic
Ocado
Pret a Manger
Skanska
The Entertainer
Trynity Solutions (www.trynity.co.uk)
SCHOOLS
Aldenham School
Bushey & Oxhey Infant School
Christ Church C of E School
(Chorleywood)
Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls
Heathfield Girls’ School
Merchant Taylors’ School
Merry Hill Infant School
Northwood College
Northwood Preparatory School
Rickmansworth School
St Margaret’s School for Girls
St Martin’s School, Northwood
Watford Grammar School for Boys
Watford Grammar School for Girls
LOCAL AUTHORITIES
Hertfordshire County Council
Watford Borough Council
ADDRESS Watford New Hope Trust 67 Queens Road Watford WD17 2QN
phone 01923 210 680
email [email protected]
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Watford New Hope Trust is a registered charity (1080784) and a company limited by guarantee (03969063)Registered office: Cansdales, Bourbon Court, Nightingales Corner, Little Chalfont, Bucks, HP7 9QS.
facebook.com/watfordnewhopetrust
WEB www.wnht.org
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