Situated in the heart of Brighouse, Focus4Hope provides an essential lifeline for homeless, elderly, and isolated individuals within our community. While many families in the area have enjoyed the holiday season’s sunny days and the break from school routine, it’s during this time that Focus4Hope (F4H) are contacted by families needing additional support during half term.
Although F4H is a key local charity, with their resources in ever-increasing demand, much of their work slips under the radar. Within this article, Rebecca Hopwood shares insights from her recent conversation with CEO and Founder of Focus4Hope, Louise Reed. Louise explains how the charity has flexed and adapted in response to local schools being closed for the holidays, influencing the way F4H supports families across the region.
Louise, can you start by telling me a bit about why things change for Focus4Hope over the summer holidays?
We work with a lot of families that are struggling with their finances and simply don’t have enough food. We see them at our Social Supermarket, or we may speak to them on a regular basis. Many of these families are in work and have children of school age – in fact, most of them are employed, so that means that they don’t qualify for some benefits. When schools close their doors in July, many children lose the breakfast club or the free school meals they were relying on during term-time.
Parents in employment can’t stay at home to look after their children, but the alternative might be paying for expensive holiday clubs or relying on family and friends. This leaves many community members struggling, requiring urgent help that they wouldn’t otherwise need.
So, what happens? How can Focus4Hope help?
Over the summer holidays we run a Friday food drop-in that’s open to any vulnerable families, helping them feed their children over the holidays. No questions are asked, there’s no judgement, and the food package service is open to anyone who might be struggling.
This drop-in service was funded by the amazing people that did an Ultra Run with Brodstock, supplemented by some Community Foundation for Calderdale funding. The local Argos and Sainsbury’s kindly donated food each week and we’ve been able to feed 160 families over the 6 weeks this way.
Some families visited us on a weekly basis, while others came just once – with no criteria or judgment, we were simply pleased to offer this resource.
That’s incredible. What else have you guys been up to over summer?
So much! It’s been so busy. Using funding from the National Lottery and the Huddersfield Giants Community Foundation, we took 3 minibuses to Filey for a day at the seaside from our Focus4SEN support group– it was fantastic! The minibuses offered transport for different families, allowing them to dip their toes in the sea, enjoy fish and chips, ice cream, and they all got a bag of 2ps for the slot machines too! The kids were all from different backgrounds, many need SEN (Special Educational Needs) support and they were able to come with their mums, dads, siblings and carers. Some of these families had never visited the seaside before, so it was a truly special day.
Wow, that’s wonderful! So the seaside is a completely new experience for these families?
Yes, and although some of the families are financially vulnerable, it’s not always that simple. Some families may have a child with additional or special educational needs, so taking them to a busy seaside resort would ordinarily be too much for them. All the sights, sounds and smells can become intensely overwhelming and stressful – but with so much extra support, everyone can just relax and experience games on the beach and go to the arcades. It’s so much fun and it’s a positive experience that everyone remembers.
Ahh yeah, I think I’ve seen Focus4Hope do something like this before?
You will have done, yes, it’s something that’s really important to us. Last year we took a group to Llandudno. The Focus4Hope team really hopes to keep doing this.
How about closer to home, as trips aren’t an option for some families? What other opportunities are there to experience other things over summer?
We hired out the whole of Bradley Wood Scout Centre for 2 days – with thanks to one of our trustees Dave Kitson. One day was dedicated to primary school aged children, the other was for high school kids, and they were able to do different activities depending on their age. So, the older ones could try axe throwing or archery, whereas the younger ones tackled an assault course.
We also had a day out at The Zone in Huddersfield…
Oh my gosh, there’s more? Was this for the soft play?
We had access to the whole centre! Not only soft play, but sensory rooms and indoor football pitches, with food and drinks provided for the whole family. What was great about this, was the parents were able to sit, chat and drink coffee too. For many parents, going to places like this just isn’t something they can do easily – so it’s good to see them switch off, share their stories, and bond with other parents. It builds a support network that some families really need. We hire the whole place out so that it is a safe space for these special families and they can relax and not be judged.
It sounds like summer has been great for you and your team… will things start to quieten down now?
Sadly not. When the kids go back to school, it’s the time of year when the weather starts to change, and it gets colder. We have a number of elderly, vulnerable people in our community. With the energy price cap increasing and the winter fuel allowance potentially being lost, we’ll be looking to increase our support to them.
The homeless also need additional support over autumn/winter, so we’ll be looking to make sure those on the streets have access to warmer clothes, coats and sleeping bags over the coming months.
Louise, you do so much – is this what you thought Focus4Hope would look like?
When I set up F4H 8 years ago, I just wanted to do something to help. I remember I was watching the news and I saw images of a 3 year old Syrian boy named Alan Kurdi, washed up on a beach in Turkey. He and his family were fleeing to safety, and his story hit me hard and prompted me to take action. I committed to making a difference to people’s lives – in our community and beyond. Fast forward to 2024, and I’m so proud of what we do. Focus4Hope addresses critical challenges related to food insecurity and the rising cost of living to individuals across the region. We rely heavily on community support and being able to bring people together, signposting crucial services.
When I set up F4H 8 years ago, I just wanted to do something to help. I remember I was watching the news and I saw images of a 3 year old Syrian boy named Alan Kurdi, washed up on a beach in Turkey. He and his family were fleeing to safety, and his story hit me hard and prompted me to take action. I committed to making a difference to people’s lives – in our community and beyond. Fast forward to 2024, and I’m so proud of what we do. Focus4Hope addresses critical challenges related to food insecurity and the rising cost of living to individuals across the region. We rely heavily on community support and being able to bring people together, signposting crucial services.
Throughout the year, we open our doors to Calderdale's first Social Supermarket, arrange days out for the elderly, feed the homeless and support families with special educational needs (SEN). We do so much to support people in need, regardless of their background. The number of people who need a service like ours is just growing year on year – so we need to keep going.
That’s incredible, do you get recognition for the work you do?
We’ve been really lucky to be nominated for lots of awards for our work. Although awards seem like a gimmick sometimes, they spotlight Focus4Hope, enabling more individuals and businesses to learn about us and spread the word.
This year, we were nominated in the Enterprise Vision Awards, we were finalists in the Centre for Social Justice Awards – we made it to the top 12 out of all the charities in the UK and Ireland – which is amazing, and we’re going for 3 categories in the Community Foundation for Calderdale Community Spirit Awards.
So what does fundraising at Focus4Hope look like, and how can people support what you do?
We don’t really like to just ask for money and donations all the time. As the work we do is continuous, we try to do things a little differently. We have a comedy night coming up on 13th September at Bradford Bulls Stadium, and all proceeds from the ticket sales are being donated to our feed families this Christmas. Tickets cost just £12.00 and you get to see a line-up of 5 incredible comedians with Jack Carroll headlining.
We have our Style & Sax event in October, had our 3rd Focus Fest back in July… so this is something we’ll keep doing. There’s a place on our website where you can find out how you can help us, and we’re always looking for corporate partners and sponsors.
Summary
Focus4Hope's inspiring work is highlighted through their creative and continuous approach to fundraising, helping them to assist some of the most vulnerable people in our community. Whether you’re facing food poverty, loneliness, or the demands of being parent to a SEN child, Focus4Hope will either find a way to help you, or signpost you to appropriate support services.
In addition to the resources mentioned within this article, F4H help place people in emergency accommodation if they find themselves homeless or fleeing domestic violence, offering a safe, warm space for people who need it most. Focus4Hope do so much incredible work - discover how you can make a difference here.
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