The team share updates, encouragements, and prayer points related to Home for Good’s work across the South-West.

Recent highlights

You will remember, back in the autumn, that Safe Families & Home for Good officially merged as one charity. Since then, the Senior Leadership have worked both prayerfully and tirelessly to navigate the coming together of these two wonderful charities’, ready for the exciting possibilities that await us, and you, our partners. Below is our vision, which encapsulates the heart of our merged charity.

Together, we hope for a society where no family feels alone,

and every child has a home where they can flourish.

We believe the Church is central to this vision.

So, we have been through some changes here in the South West and this has given us the opportunity to grow our staff team. Some changes have already taken place and more are to follow, so watch this space but for now let me introduce you to Helen Howarth, based in Swindon, who has joined Stu Dendy, in leading the work across the region and supporting our new team of Church Relationship Coordinators. Dave Kingswood, who many of you know, has been faithfully working with BANE’s for nearly seven years, will continue to hold this relationship, whilst looking after North Somerset as well. In Bristol, where we have agreements in place with the City Council, Dave will give his main focus, as we look to find more family volunteers and foster carers for the growing needs across the city. Please contact Dave directly to find out how to get involved.

We are also pleased to share that we have Helen Hender, based in Bournemouth, Lynda Hancock, based in Wiltshire, Lauren Jewhurst, based in Somerset and Wendy Clift in Plymouth, focusing on our work in these areas and with the local authorities.

Other activity & stories

There are many different things that we could share with you, as lots continues to happen but we are limited by space here, but we do want to say THANK YOU to you our wonderful friends, supporters and volunteers, who continue to inspire and serve in this vital space. THANK YOU also to the churches who continue to invite us in and work alongside us in all manner of ways, we appreciate these relationships and the support you bring to the vision!

The new and exciting news for Somerset, is our official partnership with the local authority, to find foster homes for children who need them. We are so grateful to a number of churches in the county, who are already showing significant interest and journeying with us. Find out more and email our Church Relationship Coordinator, Lauren Jewhurst at [email protected] who will be happy to help.

Recently Helen Howarth and Dave shared our vision at Bristol City Hall to the directorate of children services for Bristol LA as well as around 60 Church leaders. A tremendous record of the event is here: https://www.christianactionbristol.org.uk/news/bristol-churches-gather-to-support-vulnerable-children-and-families We are excited to see how we can continue to partner with the churches, in serving children and families together.

Dave attended The Gather at St Nicks in the city centre. Over 400 people came to praise and worship, as well as pray for unity and the welfare of young people in and around Bristol.

BBC Radio Bristol invited Dave to share about fostering on their breakfast show. You can listen from around 2 hours in on https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0kqyyfj

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, covers such a large area and the needs to find foster carers is growing - we partner with the local authority, and we need your help! We are praising God, that a local couple from Christchurch are currently going through the assessment process for fostering with BCP and we pray His favour as journey forwards but we need more carers. Also, Helen Header and I, who is our Church Relationship Coordinator in the locality, met with several church leaders to discuss what we can do to support families who foster and adopt, but also share this need for foster carers – our time was incredibly encouraging, thanks to all who came. What part could you play? Contact us at [email protected]

What's coming up?

Watch this space, regarding developing opportunities in Devon, particularly in Exeter and Plymouth and also Cornwall - we are so excited to see how God is continuing to open doors, as we go deeper and wider in the South West.

Home for Good Make Room Bible Study will be running at Hope Chapel, Bristol. It commences 7^th May. Details to follow online or email [email protected]

Do you know of TG25, The gathering for men is happening 20^th – 22^nd June 2025 and each year we go and make some noise regarding the need for homes for children. Do you want to don a green t-shirt and donate a few hours of your time at our stand and get a discounted ticket to the weekend event? Email [email protected]

Have you heard of the amazing Juniper Tree? Their vision is to create a place where families with adoptive or foster children can come to find physical and spiritual refreshment. Do you need a break or maybe you can offer to help support the team who deliver these breaks. Email [email protected] and see how you can get involved in 2025.

The Great Bristol Run 2025 is on the 11^th May and we would love it if you ran for us! There are plenty of different options to take part, click here to find out more https://homeforgood.org.uk/events/fundraising-events

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.

• Please pray for our new team here in the South West to grow together and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading, into what He has called us.

• Please pray for Stu, Helen (Swindon), Dave, Lauren (Somerset), Wendy Clift (Plymouth), Lynda Hancock (Wiltshire) and Helen (Bournemouth), for Gods favour with new and old Church leaders and contacts.

• Please pray for our meetings with Devon Local Authority, as we discuss what a partnership between us could look like for 2025/26.
• Please pray for speaking opportunities.
• Please pray for our relationships with the various local authorities to be positive ones.
• Please pray for links with volunteers and champions that they may be well resourced and empowered to do the work.

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

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]