The Northampton Hope Centre and All Saints Church are joining forces for the first time by putting on a special weekend of events over Saturday 29^th and Sunday 30^th September to highlight the plight of homelessness in the town and county.

Both institutions believe homelessness is an increasingly challenging issue for Northamptonshire and want to encourage action and debate to find solutions for those most affected.
Paul Kinsella, fundraising manager at Northampton Hope Centre, explains:

Staff & volunteers at Northampton Hope Centre

“We need to raise awareness of the challenges faced by homeless and vulnerable people across Northamptonshire. We actively support up to 100 people every day and we desperately need local people and businesses to help us with volunteering, fundraising and donations.

“As the weather turns for the worse, the need for our services increases dramatically. However, the Hope Centre doesn’t just provide shelter and a place to eat. We offer education, training and, alongside our commercial branch – Hope Enterprises, help re-skill individuals and support their return to employment.”

Events during the weekend will include:
Father David McConkey of All Saints Church has been a campaigner against homelessness and deprivation throughout his life as a clergyman.

• On Saturday from 10am-4pm several stalls will be set up on the main square in front of All Saints Church, where staff, volunteers and clients will showcase the work of charities for the homeless and socially excluded in Northamptonshire. Organisations present will include the Hope Centre and Hope Enterprises, NAASH and Streetchurch
• On Sunday at 10:30am All Saints Church’s Harvest service will include a sermon delivered by Paul Kinsella of Hope Centre
• Following the service at around 11:45am, Rev David McConkey of All Saints Church will lead a procession of around 50 parishioners from All Saints Church to the Hope Centre [via the Drapery, across Sheep Street, past Holy Sepulchre Church and onto Campbell Street, then across the road to the Hope Centre].
• Shortly after their arrival at the Hope Centre, visitors will be treated to a full Harvest roast dinner, provided by Hope Enterprises’ catering service

He adds: “I strongly believe in taking positive action within the local community to tackle critical social issues, and homelessness is a real problem that can affect people from all walks of life.

“We are delighted to do everything within our power to support these valued charities in their good work and support those most in need.”

For more details about The Northampton Hope Centre:

http://www.northamptonhopecentre.org.uk/ & http://hopeenterprises.org.uk/