November 2025 Newsletter
October was another month rooted in compassion, connection and community. We began with our annual trip to Calais, where we supported people living in crisis. Our team provided essential care, from treating dental issues in the mobile dental unit to giving first aid for burns, cuts, sprains and skin conditions.
Back in Leeds, we continued our weekly homeless feed at St Anne’s, sharing warm meals, conversation and a sense of belonging. We also visited a hostel in Hyde Park with food, drinks and friendship for those in need. This month we launched our Reverse Advent Calendar campaign, encouraging people to give back and help make the festive season brighter for others.
Our community lunch once again brought people together to enjoy good food and even better company. October was also Domestic Violence Awareness Month, reminding us of the strength and resilience within our community.
From Calais to Leeds and every act of kindness in between, this month showed the true power of compassion. Thank you for standing with us and helping make hope happen. 💛
In October your donations allowed us to…
A Month Powered by Your Generosity
October was 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:
- 315 homeless meals were handed out to people in Leeds
- 70 attendees joined our Monday Coffee & Craft Clubs – building friendships through creativity
- Supported 60 households with our social supermarket
- Provided support and care to refugees in Calais
- Launched our Big Christmas Project
- Handed out 27 crisis parcels to those in need
- 195 Community Warmth meals shared – warming both hearts and bellies
- Hosted several Senior Trips including reminiscent cinema with 35 attendees
- 7 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
Malcolm Blake
We’re delighted to celebrate Malcolm as our Volunteer of the Month!
Since joining us, Malcolm has truly thrown himself into his role here at Focus4Hope. He’s already become a huge asset to the team, making a fantastic contribution to both our Harvest Festival collections and our Christmas project.
Malcolm has also been incredible supporting the Genies’ pick-up donations, helping ensure we can continue providing vital support to those who need it most. We’re so grateful for his hard work, enthusiasm and positive energy!
Business of the Month
Drive DeVilbiss
We’re delighted to recognise Drive DeVilbiss as our Business of the Month!
We’re so grateful for their incredible support in helping us reach our target to provide everything needed to create Christmas food hampers for families in need.
A huge thank you to the Drive DeVilbiss team for their generous £2,000 donation to our Big Christmas Project.
Their kindness and community spirit will enable us to buy essential items to fill hampers and ensure vulnerable families enjoy a warm, nourishing Christmas this year.
The Big Christmas Project
Last year, thanks to your incredible support, we delivered 549 Christmas hampers to 2,037 people across Yorkshire. This year, we’re doing it again, and it’s not too late to get involved!
You can still take part in our Reverse Advent Calendar by collecting items from our food calendar and dropping them off at one of our collection points:
• Focus4Hope Hub (Bethel St Car Park Entrance): Mon–Fri, 10am–2pm
• Replenish, 12 Huddersfield Rd, Brighouse: Saturdays, 10am–3pm
Every donation helps us support vulnerable families this Christmas. To get involved or request our toolkit, email info@focus4hope.org.
Thank you for helping us make a difference.
Can you support or attend one of our upcoming events?
Join Us for MUSIC4HOPE: An Evening of Live Music for a Wonderful Cause
We would love you to join us on Friday 21 November at Old Brodleians RUFC for an evening of live music in support of vulnerable families this Christmas.
What to expect
• Headline act: GYPSY – The Soul of Fleetwood Mac (22:00 to 00:00)
• Gogo Mojo (20:50 to 21:40)
• Todd Wilson (19:50 to 20:30)
• Doors open at 19:00
• Tickets: £10 advance, £12.50 on the door (subject to availability)
• Venue: Old Brodleians RUFC, Halifax HX3 8HX
All funds raised will help Focus4Hope provide food and Christmas gifts for families in need.
Join us for a great night of live music and community support.
Tickets available at focus4hope.co.uk
Focus4Hope’s annual trip to Calais
We’ve just returned from our annual trip to Calais – an amazing yet truly heartbreaking experience. Over several days, we supported people living in crisis, offering dental care through the mobile unit and first aid for burns, cuts, and sprains.
We met teenagers who’ve lost their families to war, now alone in France and uncertain about their future – powerful reminders of why our work matters. Before heading home, we revisited the Refugee Community Kitchen, where Louise and Tina volunteered 10 years ago, and helped prepare meals for distribution.
A huge thank you to everyone who donated and supported us – your kindness made it all possible.
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.
Upcoming Events at Focus4Hope
As always, we have a number of event taking place across West Yorkshire, including Afternoon Tea meetups, Reminiscent Cinema events, Craft Clubs, Winter Warmer Cafés, and Homeless Feeds. These gatherings provide a great way to connect with the community while supporting those in need.