Stu Dendy and Dave Kingswood share updates, encouragements, and prayer points related to Home for Good’s work across the South-West.

Recent Highlights

The merger has been moving on well and as we navigate this new and exciting season, and we are so grateful for the new opportunities opening in new places like Somerset and Swindon. We are widening our reach within the South West, with the larger staff team, to make sure that we share our bold vision to see children and families thrive!

We are so grateful for all of you volunteers across the South West, who faithfully support the vision of the charity and in so many ways. We are pleased to report that we have five more Champions in the pipeline.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are a Local Authority partnership that is growing from strength to strength - The team are really helping to promote our activity locally and we pray this will create some great homes for children from within the local churches.

The South West Hub kicked off officially, just a few weeks ago, and with it, the release of a fabulous short film called “Everything”. It’s a wonderful video and well worth a look.

Other activities and Stories…

We have had the pleasure of sharing with all Saints in Weston, in Bath. Dave met a wonderful couple who are wanting to develop some land so that care experienced young people can come and enjoy it in a variety of ways. We shall keep you updated!

Over the past few months, we have spoken in Bath, Clevedon, Bristol, Keynsham, Exeter, Salisbury and at the edge of Bournemouth. Those events have generated some enquiries and some very generous gifts to Home for Good. We are grateful for the Church and the opportunity to partner where we can.

Dave shares that there have been some people who have started the journey of fostering, who are believers, but were not connected with Home for Good. Through champions and those who know us we have been able to connect, bring resources and helpful signposting, including new sign ups to the foundations course.

Very grateful to Sarah, at Trinity Church in Salisbury, for hosting Home for Good and Safe Families, for a vision event. Some great conversations and lots of possibilities, including a Peer Support Group maybe?

In September Dave shared with our local filling station and shared about how we all have a role to play in coming around foster carers and how the Church can equip, and love care experienced kids.

Have you seen the film ‘Sound of Hope’? It is an amazing true story of a church responding to the community’s need for homes for children. You can watch the trailer HERE and if you are interested, we are excited to announce that churches can sign up for an “IMPACT SCREENING” – Find out more through this SIGN UP and don’t forget to tell us, so that we can help you promote the event!/p>

What's coming up?

• Speaking opportunities at One Church (Keynsham), St Andrews (Twerton), Welton Baptist Church and St Barts (Bath).
• Christmas Events – Christmas meal for foster carers and fostering team, Bath (SEE BELOW), St Nicks Christmas Market (Bristol), Torbay Christmas Carols (Riviera Centre), Advent[ure] at Devizes, St Marys Tree festival (Bristol) and Christmas Fayre (New Milton).
• Vision Events – 11th December at Christchurch Baptist Church (in-person), 17th December is Wiltshire Online Event, 28th January at Hope Chapel, Bristol (in-person), 18th January at Redlands Church, Bristol (in-person) and Broadmead Baptist Church, Bristol (TBC).
• GREAT BRISTOL RUN – 11th May 2025, Home for Good & Safe Families are participating in the GBR and if you want get involved, email Stu for sign up details.

What can I be praying for?

We would love you to stand with us in prayer as we continue to work to find a home for every child who needs one in the South West.

• As is the case across our country there are many children and young people who need loving homes. Lets pray for those children and young people and for the incredible social workers, who work tirelessly to find homes for children.
• Please pray for new enquiries in BANES, Bristol, Wiltshire, BCP and Somerset
• Please pray for new opportunities for Dave and Stu, and the amazing team at Safe Families, as we navigate this exciting journey together as one charity.
• Please pray for hearts to soften within the Church and for opportunities to occur from the speaking engagements and vision events that are planned

How do I get in touch with a member of the Home for Good team in South West England?

Stu at [email protected]

Dave at [email protected]