Author | Lightnews

New Hope @newhopehq.bsky.social · 7h

Do we take donations of pre-loved clothes? Yes - we do!

Pre-loved clothes in good condition (this is important - we treat the people we help with dignity and respect) can either be given directly to people in need or sold in one of our two shops.

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New Hope @newhopehq.bsky.social · 1d

What makes New Hope, New Hope? 💙
We are: Hopeful
We believe in hope.

New Hope @newhopehq.bsky.social · 26d

We are looking for volunteers for the Watford Winter Shelter from mid-November to Mid-March.

Volunteers will help set up the shelter, welcome people, prepare and serve hot drinks, clear tables, wash up and just generally help out!

More info on our website at newhope.org.uk/volunteer

New Hope @newhopehq.bsky.social · 27d

"Staff are just guests in the residents' home."

Making our accommodation services 'home' is paramount for our support workers.

New Hope @newhopehq.bsky.social · 28d

We often advise against giving cash directly to people begging. Instead, consider a hot drink or sandwich. Giving money may provide momentary relief but doesn't help resolve deeper issues like homelessness, addiction, mental health challenges, or unemployment.

New Hope @newhopehq.bsky.social · Sep 29

We recently took some residents to Stanborough Lakes for a Wellbeing Watersports activity!

"Really fun morning!"
"It was brilliant! I would go again in a heartbeat!"

Trips like this are incredibly beneficial to people rebuilding their lives.

New Hope @newhopehq.bsky.social · Sep 26

What should do I do if I see someone sleeping rough in Watford?

If they're in immediate danger or unwell, or are under 18, call 999. For non-emergencies, contact Streetlink via their website, or our emergency line 0300 012 0168.

You can also refer people to the Haven, 4 Whippendell Road, Watford.

New Hope @newhopehq.bsky.social · Sep 25

As the temperatures drop, it's vital that New Hope's support can find its way to people who need it. Atria have kindly let us use their ad space on Queens Road, meaning even more people will know who to contact if they are homeless themselves or have seen someone who may need our services.

New Hope @newhopehq.bsky.social · Sep 24

We thrilled to announce that New Hope is one of Everyone Active's Community Champions!

Last week, Ian and Lee met the team to discuss how we can break down barriers and make gym and pool facilities more accessible for people recovering from homelessness in Watford.

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New Hope @newhopehq.bsky.social · Sep 19

Save the date

2026's Stadium Sleep Out will take place on Friday 27th February at Watford FC's Vicarage Rd Stadium!

We'd love to see you there!

This event is great for youth groups, cadets, Scouts, Guides etc. so please pass the information on to any group leaders you know!

#watford #sleepout

New Hope @newhopehq.bsky.social · Sep 17

How big a problem is homelessness in Watford?
In the past year 133 people were given a safe place to stay for at least one night. Watford has one of the highest rough sleeping rates in Hertfordshire - with 3.5 rough sleepers per 10,000 households.

New Hope @newhopehq.bsky.social · Sep 15

We love Secondhand September! Say no to new clothes and say yes to sustainable shopping!

Visit one of our two charity shops, 67 Queens Road in Watford and 165 New Road in Croxley, for pre-loved fashion that makes real community impact! 💙

#secondhandseptember #sustainableliving #prelovedfashion

New Hope @newhopehq.bsky.social · Sep 9

"The wings of transformation are born of patience and struggle.”— Janet Dickens

The residents in our Recovery Service have been nurturing caterpillars and witnessing their transformation into butterflies.

A living metaphor to encourage the residents in their own journeys of change.

New Hope @newhopehq.bsky.social · Sep 8

We've been busy constructing another raised bed in one of our HopeHomes. This will add to the growing space to enable residents to grow food and ornamental plants.

Gardening has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, depression and prevent illnesses as well as make us kinder and more creative! 💙💚💙

New Hope @newhopehq.bsky.social · Sep 4

Against a bleak backdrop of a homelessness crisis in England, New Hope runs affordable accommodation specifically for people moving on from homelessness. These homes provide affordable rent and wraparound support to smooth the move to stability.

Read more here:
www.newhope.org.uk/news/2025/9/...

hope amid England’s homelessness crisis — New Hope

England’s homelessness crisis has reached alarming proportions. Councils are reportedly resorting to paying millions in one-off incentives to private landlords to secure rental accommodation for famil...

www.newhope.org.uk

New Hope @newhopehq.bsky.social · Sep 2

Thank you @hertscf.bsky.social for once again supporting the Haven in providing a welcoming space, nutritious breakfasts and life-changing support to vulnerable people in Watford. Homelessness and food poverty go hand-in-hand so this support will help people to access essential meals.

New Hope @newhopehq.bsky.social · Aug 28

Cultivate and the Tenancy Sustainment Team held an amazing creative crafts session with some of the families we support. These sessions are an essential part of the work we do with families and have a marked effect on wellbeing, building community and improving relationships.

New Hope @newhopehq.bsky.social · Aug 26

The Haven received a rather unusual donation last week...a full-size ping pong table that is going to make a great addition to the activities available at the Haven, especially during the colder months when we're running our Winter Shelter. Thanks to Discovery for this kind gift.

New Hope @newhopehq.bsky.social · Aug 20

Huge thanks to LUSH Watford for their donation of fresh handmade cosmetics for people living in New Hope accommodation. What a treat! 💙

New Hope @newhopehq.bsky.social · Aug 18

One of our lovely volunteers has been leading a pond clean up at the Haven, cutting back brambles and removing algae in readiness to put a pond filter in. All this in preparation for having some lovely fish! 🐟

New Hope @newhopehq.bsky.social · Aug 14

We are so grateful for the kind donation from St George's Day Charity Clubwho have chosen to support New Hope for many years and do some incredible fundraising events to support local charities. This year, funds have been raised through activities including a cricket day and a 24-hour darts event!

New Hope @newhopehq.bsky.social · Aug 11

Nutrition is a vital part of being healthy and we prioritise meals at the Haven which are fresh, healthy, full of vitamins and minerals and taste delicious! 😋

This was made with donations from Olio - reducing food waste and feeding hungry bellies!

New Hope @newhopehq.bsky.social · Aug 8

Could your school, company or faith group help people who are hungry this Harvest?

Please take a look at newhope.org.uk/harvest for more info on how to help 💙

New Hope @newhopehq.bsky.social · Aug 7

We get by with a little help from our befrienders! 💙
We'd like to say thank you to the seven amazing people who volunteer at our Recovery Service as befrienders, supporting the residents and the staff. Thank you! 💙
Check out our latest volunteering vacancies at www.newhope.org.uk/volunteer

New Hope @newhopehq.bsky.social · Aug 6

Volunteers, Nicola and Cindy, from Myers Clark Chartered Accountants spent this morning rustling up tea, coffee and comforting cooked breakfasts at the Haven. Myers Clark are long-term supporters, regularly providing breakfast at the Haven and evening meals at the Sanctuary.