April 2026 Newsletter
What an incredible month of activity and support we had in March. A key highlight for the team was our annual aid trip to Dunkirk, where we provided vital support to refugees, offering dental care, first aid, essential supplies, and moments of connection through time spent in the camp.
We were also proud to see our Founder and CEO, Louise, recognised with the Mandy Taylor MBE Award at the Yorkshire Business Woman Awards. This achievement is so special to us as Mandy was a trustee of the charity, and it reflects the dedication and impact of our work.
Closer to home, we were delighted to be part of the Huddersfield Giants Women in Business event, and also grateful to BBC Radio Leeds for visiting our community hub and helping shine a light on our work.
Our regular activities continued to bring people together, from our Senior Social at Nefarus Cocktail and Bistro, where guests enjoyed lunch and a quiz, to our craft group sessions, which saw a great turnout and a wonderful sense of community. None of this would be possible without our fantastic volunteers, who keep everything running and ensure everyone feels welcome and supported.
As always, we are incredibly grateful to everyone who continues to support us. Your contribution makes all the difference.
In March your donations allowed us to…
A Month Powered by Your Generosity
March a month filled with kindness and connection, and with your amazing support we were able to touch so many lives with creativity, comfort, and care. Here’s a look at what we achieved together:
- 240 homeless meals were handed out to people in Leeds
- 53 attendees joined our Monday Coffee & Craft Clubs – building friendships through creativity
- Supported 152 households with our social supermarket
- Hosted elderly days out for 28 people
- Continued the Menopause group supporting 10 ladies with health screening
- Handed out 25 crisis parcels to those in need
- 196 Community Warmth meals shared – warming both hearts and bellies
- 3 starter kits provided for new homes – helping people take their next step with dignity
Whether you gave time, money, skills or simply cheered us on, you’re a vital part of this journey. Thank you for standing with us.
Volunteer of the Month
Phillipa Crowther
Our Volunteer of the Month for March is Philippa Crowther.
Her dedication and enthusiasm truly stood out, especially through the incredible effort she put into organising her Easter fundraising event, which raised much-needed funds for a vital cause.
Philippa is always willing to lend a hand and brings a positive, can-do attitude to everything she does. We’re so grateful for her ongoing support and commitment.
Business of the Month
The Shepherds Arms
We’re proud to name The Shepherds Arms as our Business of the Month for March.
We’d like to say a huge thank you for their generous donation and for supporting the work we do at Focus4Hope. Contributions like this make a real difference and help us continue supporting those who need it most.
We’re excited to build on this relationship and look forward to working together more in the future.
Our annual trip to support refugees on the border
Reflecting on our aid trip to Northern France in March, we are reminded how fortunate we are to live in the UK, free from war and persecution.
During the trip, our team supported Refugee Community Kitchen with food preparation and camp clean-up, while our dental team delivered donations and provided urgent care in Dunkirk. Together, we helped hundreds of refugees by relieving pain, offering oral health advice, and distributing essential supplies.
Alongside this, we provided first aid, supported the camp environment, and spent time with the children, where music and play brought moments of joy and connection.
We heard powerful stories of resilience from those fleeing conflict, reminding us how much life can be shaped by where we are born. We are incredibly grateful to our team for their compassion and commitment.
Come along to our Ladies’ Night at Replenish!
Join us for a relaxed, feel good evening all about refreshing your summer wardrobe while giving back.
Think prom dresses, occasion wear, and summer pieces ready for a second life. You’re invited to bring along your own items to donate on the night, helping support the incredible work of Focus4Hope.
Late night shopping, feel good fashion finds, and a chance to donate, shop and support all in one easy, light hearted evening. No tickets, no pressure, just pop in, have a browse and enjoy the vibe. Find something that helps you step into your summer glow.
Replenish will be raising funds throughout the evening in support of Focus4Hope, so every visit, donation and purchase makes a difference.
Get involved in our senior day trips!
Attend or volunteer on one of our fantastic Senior Day Trips. We have some great trips planned January to April – museums, aquariums, theatre and pottery.
For any queries contact info@focus4hope.org
Can you support or attend one of our upcoming events?
Fortnightly Homeless Feeds
Even in summer, nights can be cold and unsafe. A sleeping bag offers warmth and comfort when there’s nowhere else to turn.
Want to help?
- Donate a sleeping bag
- Volunteer on a feed
- Sponsor a feed
Craft & Create Club
Making a Lasting Impact- Become a Regular Donor!
Are you a business looking to make a real difference in your community? By becoming a regular donor, you can help us provide essential support to those who need it most – month after month.
You choose the amount, and we’ll turn it into meaningful action:
£25 provides a crisis food parcel for someone in urgent need
£60 supports a family of four with a food parcel
£100 supplies vital essentials to someone facing homelessness
£250 funds a full home starter kit for someone moving into safe accommodation
No matter the size of your contribution, your support helps us bring hope, dignity, and relief to people across our community.
Ready to make a difference? Join our amazing network of business donors today and help us continue the work we do, together.
Get in touch to find out how you can become a regular donor.