Prime Minister recognises Hope08 movement

The Prime Minister has invited Hope08 representatives to a Christmas reception at 10 Downing Street in recognition of all Hope08 has accomplished throughout the UK this year.

Hope08 is a national pan-denominational initiative that is encouraging groups of churches to work together to impact their communities by serving the needs of those around them.

Over three times the target number of locations have signed up to do Hope08 projects. Churches from 1,500 different villages, towns & cities are delivering projects such as detached youth work, providing food and accommodation for rough sleepers and visiting elderly people.

Hope08 has selected 20 people to attend the reception, along with members of the national leadership team. The delegates have been chosen because of their level of involvement with Hope08 projects in their local areas.

Locations such as Preston, Bedford, Southampton, Croydon, Sheffield and Merseyside will be represented.

Anthony Clowes from Wirral, Merseyside is one of the delegates who will be attending the event. He said he was "very excited" to be visiting Number 10 and is looking forward to sharing his plans for Christmas projects such as community carol concerts and meals.

Mr Clowes' Hope08 group has coordinated a ‘Big Bash’ children’s holiday club, quiz nights and football tournaments. Next year they will be hosting a fashion show in partnership with local charity shops, and are currently delivering community meals once a month to residents in nursing homes. The young people at his church have, through Hope08, set up a befriending service. They regularly visit elderly people in the community, and they run this themselves on a voluntary basis.