Hope House Newsletter February 2026
Email address: contact@hopehousecfd.org
Happy New Year supporters!
2026 is a year of celebration for Hope House that we are delighted to be sharing with you. 29 March marks the 5-year anniversary of the opening of the project – if you’re unfamiliar with the story of how it began, or need a reminder, do check out the website (hopehousechesterfield.co.uk) under ‘about us’ and ‘our story’. Within 5 years we have housed and supported close to 100 men, one of which is now a paid member of staff, and another volunteers for the project. 5 years, in this economic climate, is a huge milestone, and testament to what a community can do when it stands together. In March 2021, the country was only just starting to emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, we had no reputation for the work we intended to do, little experience, big dreams and an unknown financial future – and yet here we are! Collectively – staff, residents, trustees, supporters, volunteers, and partners, should be extremely proud of what we’ve achieved together so far. On Saturday 25 April we’ll be hosting an afternoon gathering at SS Augustine Church building next door, to celebrate this milestone, and we hope you’ll be able to join us. Details to follow.
Since our last bulletin, we’ve had another good Christmas at the house. It’s a time of year that can be difficult for many residents, but Manager Ryan cooked up a Christmas Day feast, each resident had a present to open, thanks to generous sponsors, and a few former residents popped in.
Just before Christmas we held a house carol service next door at the church, some residents told their stories, and good news events of the year were shared and celebrated.
The house is full as we write, but two residents are ready for the next step and have secured local properties which they will be moving into shortly with staff support.
Volunteering continues at various projects, including the Food Bank provision Gussies Pantry, and the A Spire Right course at Chesterfield Football Club starts again in February with a number of residents taking part. Staff member Sarah continues to meet with the men who want to watch and discuss The Chosen together – do google this great series if you are unfamiliar with it. And chaplain, Revd Sally-Anne, pops in on Wednesday mornings to offer prayers and devotions, open to any resident who wants to join her.
The building is holding up well, although we have some pipework issues to resolve – a couple of the rooms are becoming difficult to heat and investigation has found that we need to alter the layout of pipes in that area of the house to solve the problem. We are also having to repair/replace some of our white goods that were donated second-hand and replace our fire extinguishers this year. If anyone can help with replacements, please us know. On a positive note, West Notts College did a great job repainting the hall and corridors and the house is feeling clean and fresh.
Prayers
With finance in mind, we are praying currently for more people to come forward willing to donate regularly to us. We are very grateful for the generosity of our current pool of donors, but as costs have increased, more help is needed to cover our usual bills and additional maintenance. If you can help by praying, or telling others about the project, or fundraising, this would really help.
Other prayer requests include general prayers of peace and protection over residents and staff, as men move on and others join. Please pray that men come forward who are ready for the transformational journey offered by the project and discover the love of God whilst they are with us.
So, that’s all for now. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your ongoing support. Do share this bulletin with people you know and please be our voice within the spheres of your life.
With best wishes,
Hope House Trustees