OVER the past six years, staff and volunteers at a Camberley charity have helped ex-offenders get back into work, provided a safe home for rough sleepers – and cooked up an astonishing 27,000 hot meals.
The Hope Hub is part-funded by Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, who recently approved a grant from her Reducing Reoffending Fund to support the service until 2028. The total award is £84,000 over three years, or £28,000 for this financial year.
The Hub, part of Surrey County Council’s Changing Futures programme, aims to prevent and end homelessness in Surrey Heath and the surrounding areas.
Service’s impact
Between April 2024 and March 2025 alone, the Hub has:
- Supported 269 people, 198 of whom struggle with their mental health
- Housed 98 of the 102 rough sleepers it has supported in that timeframe
- Provided more than 5,000 meals
- Delivered 776 food parcels to Surrey Heath residents in need of support
- Helped 222 people with debt management
- Secured employment for 14 people
The charity also manages a seven-bedroom home in Camberley where rough sleepers are provided with short-term accommodation of between six and eight weeks.
Support for those in need
Staff offer both practical and pastoral support, including the use of washing machines, dryers and warm showers, as well as training courses and classes in cooking, money management and how to pay for utilities.
One pensioner found sleeping in a van was helped to open a bank account, get ID, access his pension, and secure safe accommodation.
In addition, each Christmas the charity dedicates funding to ensuring everyone in need has accommodation for the festive period, as well as a Christmas dinner and useful, practical gifts.
When a client needs medical care, staff also visit hospitals with them.
Commissioner’s pride
The Commissioner said: “It is difficult to overstate how proud I am to support organisations like The Hope Hub.
“Without fanfare, staff and volunteers are changing the lives of some of our most vulnerable residents for the better.
“This tireless work means that, even when a person has complex needs or a challenging background, they don’t fall through the gaps between services.
“Almost 50 per cent of the Hub’s clients are ex-offenders who need support to re-enter the workforce. These are people who, with help, can stay out of the criminal justice system for good.
“Goosebumps”
“During my visit, I met with a member of the team who helps clients train for employment. She told me that her work developing skills and building confidence gives her ‘goosebumps’ – a feeling I experienced as I listened to her speak.
“Reducing reoffending is a key priority for me, and it matters to every single Surrey resident.
“I am delighted to be able to contribute to The Hope Hub’s ongoing successful work.”
For more information, visit thehopehub.org.uk