Supporting Our Friends at Create Hope

We are always proud to work alongside other local charities & organisations supporting the families we also get the privilege of meeting.

Create Hope is just one of these - a wonderful Bracknell-based charity that grew from the vision of someone who was part of the Kerith community and saw first-hand the need for affordable, accessible mental health support across Bracknell and the surrounding area. They provide affordable counselling and therapy to children, young people, and families across Berkshire and are appealing for the support of our local community.

The demand for mental health support has never been greater. In just a few short months, Create Hope has seen the number of weekly clients rise dramatically from around 45–60 people each week to more than 115. To meet this growing need, the charity has recruited additional therapists and is now exploring additional premises because its current counselling rooms are at capacity. Despite these efforts, there remains a waiting list of people desperately seeking support.‍ ‍

Many of the families referred to Create Hope are experiencing significant financial hardship and while the charity encourages those who can contribute towards the cost of their therapy sessions to do so, a large proportion of families require help through their bursary fund – The Berkshire Hope Fund – enabling vulnerable individuals to access counselling regardless of their financial circumstances.

Sadly, this fund has now been exhausted and is currently operating at a deficit.‍ As a result, new bursary applications have had to be placed on hold and families who desperately need support are joining a waiting list while Create Hope works to secure additional funding.

This is a difficult situation for a charity whose mission has always been to ensure that financial challenges are not a barrier to receiving life-changing mental health support. Referrals continue to arrive from schools, CAMHS, churches and other community organisations, many highlighting families who simply cannot afford the help they need without financial assistance.

Create Hope is already reviewing its processes to ensure that available funds reach those in the greatest need and that support remains sustainable for the future. However, even with these changes, additional funding is urgently required. This could be where our community can make a real difference.

Every donation, no matter the size, can help a child, young person or family access professional counselling during some of the most challenging periods of their lives. Whether you are able to make a personal donation, organise a fundraising event, or simply help spread the word through your workplace, neighbours, school or social networks, your support will make a BIG difference in bringing hope to local people facing difficult circumstances.

If you'd like to learn more about the incredible work Create Hope does across Berkshire, visit their website OR give them a follow on Facebook to see the impact of their work, stay updated on fundraising initiatives and hear how lives are being transformed through their work.

If you can support Create Hope in any way, large or small, you'll be helping to restore hope and ensure that financial hardship does not become a barrier to receiving life-changing care. Here’s how you can help:

1. Donate regularly OR a one-off gift to:

   HSBC – Create Hope
   Sort Code: 40-13-10
   Account Number: 42129663
   Reference: Berkshire Hope Fund

2. Help with Fundraising opportunities - for further information email: operations@createhope.co.uk.

3. Pray for Create Hope as they continue their vital work, asking God to provide the resources, opportunities and encouragement needed to support local families in need.

Create Hope Is also Hiring!

As well as seeking support for its bursary fund, Create Hope is also looking to grow its team.

If you have a background in finance, this is a wonderful opportunity to use your professional skills to help bring hope, healing and practical support to children, young people and families across Berkshire.‍ ‍

Part-Time Accountant - Create Hope is looking for a part-time accountant to help manage the charity's finances, support its growing projects and play a key role in ensuring vital services can continue to reach those who need them most. If you would like to find out more get in touch with Mireille Haviland, Operations Director at: operations@createhope.co.uk

Thank you for any support you can provide. Your kindness and generosity will make a real difference :)