Community Connector Report
Vision and Spiritual Growth
Reflecting on 2025, our key focus was to strengthen relationships within the group and to intentionally invite God’s presence into each Good Company session. As the majority of our guests identify as Christians, we felt it was important to gently and meaningfully incorporate faith into our time together. This began with sharing short 2–3 minute videos sharing the Gospel, which were very well received.
In September, this was further developed when Laura Woodhead (Curate) joined us to deliver a five-minute talk on the Gospel. These talks have sparked thoughtful discussion and deeper conversations amongst guests, enriching fellowship and encouraging spiritual reflection. This element has now become a valued part of Good Company, and we plan to continue it as part of our weekly programme.
Attendance and Reach
Attendance has increased slightly over the course of 2025. By the end of the year, we were welcoming an average of 40–45 guests each week, which is very encouraging. While we continue to invite people through word of mouth, we recognise the need to promote Good Company more widely in the coming year to reach individuals who may be experiencing loneliness and isolation but are not yet connected to us.
Termly Programme and Activities
We continued to deliver structured termly programmes, ensuring guests had a varied and engaging activity each week. These included karaoke, sing-alongs, quizzes, bingo, story sharing, trips, and guest talks. The consistency of these programmes has helped build routine, familiarity, and a strong sense of community amongst those who attend regularly.
Partner Organisations
In 2025, we worked less extensively with partner organisations to focus more on fellowship and relational building within the group. However, we maintained our long-standing partnership with Hounslow Council and were grateful to collaborate with organisations that provided valuable support and services, including:
NHS Falls Prevention Team
NHS Social Prescribers
MIND
Special Events
Several special events took place throughout the year, providing memorable experiences and strengthening community bonds:
First Good Company Trip to Hampton Court – A real highlight of the year, with 20 guests attending. We enjoyed quality time together, a packed lunch, and a change of scenery, which was greatly appreciated by all.
Summer Party – Hosted at St Paul’s, with 57 participants attending a joyful and lively event.
Games and Movie Afternoon – Held during the summer break to maintain contact and connection with guests.
Panto trip – This was the first year we attended a pantomime, and with 17 people attending, we had a great experience.
Christmas Party – Our most well-attended event of the year, with around 80 people attending. Food was provided by Surplus to Supper, Claire, our Vicar, sang Christmas songs, and we were blessed with funding from St Stephen's Church Twickenham & Love Your Neighbour to purchase gifts for every guest. Wellington School children added a special and heartwarming element by singing Christmas carols, which brought great joy to our guests.
Exercise Classes
Exercise classes continued to be an important and beneficial part of Good Company. Participation increased by 30%, with some guests initially attending solely for the classes and later staying to join the wider session for food and activities. Towards the end of the year, sessions were reduced to twice a month due to instructor availability. We are incredibly grateful to our volunteer instructor, who generously gives their time free of charge this, has been a real blessing to the group.
Team and Volunteers
Volunteer capacity was a significant challenge at the start of the year, which meant limited time for guest interaction for me. However, towards the end of 2025, Hope Haven guests began supporting in the kitchen, which made a substantial difference. This not only strengthened the team but also created a wonderful opportunity to break down social barriers and support English language development. The team now works extremely well together and provides a warm, welcoming environment for all who attend.
Overall Summary and Looking Ahead
In summary, 2025 has been a year of growth, encouragement, and strengthening for Good Company. Attendance has increased, faith has been more intentionally integrated, and guests have benefited from a rich programme of activities, special events, and exercise sessions. Stronger teamwork and community partnerships have further enhanced the group’s impact. As we move forward, we are thankful for all that has been achieved and look ahead with confidence and hope, trusting God to continue guiding and growing Good Company in the year ahead.
Hope Haven
Vanessa
Community Connector
Hope Haven has experienced significant growth in 2025, which has been both encouraging and exciting. On average, 40–50 guests attend our weekly sessions, and despite the closure of several local hotels, attendance has remained steady. While our largest groups over the past two years have primarily been from Iran and South America, we were delighted to welcome guests from a wider range of countries toward the end of the year, reflecting the growing reach of the ministry.
As Hope Haven is a naturally transient group, a key focus this year was strengthening relationships and ensuring every guest received a warm, consistent welcome. Building trust, offering friendship, and creating a safe and hospitable environment remained central to everything we did. We also introduced a help desk where people can come and speak to.
English Language Workshops
Participation in our English workshops increased significantly this year. Many local English classes were full and unable to accept new learners, which meant Hope Haven became an important and accessible space for guests to practise conversational English. These sessions have played a vital role in helping guests build confidence, communicate more effectively, and feel less isolated.
Alpha Courses
In 2025, we ran one Farsi (Persian) Alpha course, which had a profound spiritual impact. Several participants were baptised, with others going on to be confirmed in 2026. We attempted to run an additional Alpha course later in the year; however, due to capacity and low participation, this was not possible. Even so, the fruit from the course we ran early in the year has been deeply encouraging and continues to shape our community.
Team Growth
The year began with challenges around staffing and volunteer capacity, but we were blessed with growth in the team later in the year. Dee and Laura joined as part of the staff team, alongside approximately three regular volunteers who support with prayer, café hospitality, and the help desk. This increase in support has enabled us to care for more guests and deepen fellowship within the group. We are also blessed to have a very special team member, “Rusty” the dog. Research shows that dogs can provide valuable mental health support, and we have seen this firsthand within Hope Haven. Many of our guests light up when they see Rusty, often seeking comfort, calm, and connection through interacting with him. For guests who may be experiencing trauma, loneliness, or anxiety, Rusty brings joy and reassurance to the guests.
Special Events
Hope Haven hosted several meaningful events throughout the year:
First Hope Haven Trip – Five asylum seekers were taken into London to visit Kensington Palace, offering a rare and joyful day out beyond hotel accommodation.
Summer Party – A lively event attended by 56 guests, featuring games, singing, and lunch.
Refugee Week Celebrations – Included an arts workshop and a celebratory party. Refugees Welcome Hounslow generously provided a feast, and guests enjoyed music and dancing together.
Games Afternoon – Held during the summer closure to maintain relationships and connections.
Christmas Party – Our largest event of the year, with 60 guests attending. Food was provided by Surplus to Supper, and funding enabled us to give presents to every guest, creating a joyful and memorable celebration.
Discipleship Group
This year, we launched a Farsi-speaking discipleship group, led by an Iranian priest. The group functions like a life group specifically for asylum seekers, providing a space to explore the Bible, grow in faith, and support one another. The group meets online every two weeks and continues to grow in number. We also plan to introduce termly in-person socials in the coming year to strengthen fellowship further.
Overall Summary and Looking Ahead
2025 has been a year of growth, deepened relationships, and spiritual fruit for Hope Haven. As we look to the future, our focus will be on continuing to offer a place of welcome, belonging, and discipleship, expanding opportunities for connection through trips and social gatherings, and building a sustainable team to support this vital ministry. We remain committed to walking alongside asylum seekers and refugees, helping them feel seen, valued, and supported as they rebuild their lives.
