Latest News & Updates

What an incredible day at the Newbury 10K!

In temperatures soaring above 32 degrees, our amazing fundraising team took on the challenge in spectacular style — and costume.

Our Chair of Trustees, Simon Tillyer, ran dressed as a giant Pot Noodle, alongside Andy Pocock as a can of tomato soup and Bex Saxby as a fork. The trio stayed together throughout the race and crossed the finish line together with a fantastic time of 1:16.25.

Completing a 10K in such extreme heat would be an achievement on its own, but doing it in full costume made their effort even more remarkable.

On 29 April 2026, the Crime and Policing Act came into force and introduced a new offence specifically targeting the practice commonly referred to as “cuckooing.” The offence concerns situations where criminals exploit another person’s home by using it as a base for unlawful activity. This can include offences connected to drug operations, sexual exploitation, or the financial manipulation of vulnerable occupants.

The legislation makes it unlawful for an individual to dominate or occupy another person’s residence for the purpose of carrying out criminal conduct. Anyone convicted under the new provisions may receive a custodial sentence of up to five years, an unlimited fine, or both penalties together.

Recent Government figures show that homelessness in England continues to rise, with record numbers of people sleeping rough and families living in temporary accommodation.

The latest annual rough sleeping snapshot estimates that 4,793 people slept rough on a single night in Autumn 2025 — the highest number on record. This is up from 4,667 the previous year and represents a 56% increase compared with three years ago.

Newbury Soup Kitchen and many other local charities and community groups attended St John’s Church Newbury Christmas Tree Festival today.

This is a special part of our calendar. Our volunteers and team come every year to decorate our designated tree.

HOMELESSNESS IS NOT JUST FOR CHRSTMAS As the weather turns colder and the evenings grow darker, most of us shift our focus toward Christmas, time

As the evenings grow darker, the nation begins its festive preparations. The sights and sounds of Christmas are everywhere, with families planning gatherings, shopping for presents, and stocking up on festive treats to celebrate with loved ones.

Amidst this seasonal cheer, the stark reality of homelessness remains ever-present. In a quiet doorway, a rough sleeper with a donated coffee to help fend off the cold, lonely. During December, many shoppers pause to offer food, money, or small gifts to those on the streets a gesture of goodwill inspired by the Christmas spirit.