1989 One act of kindness
It started with one act of kindness. On a freezing night in March, a frightened and lonely Karina was spotted staggering down the street by someone who was prepared to stop. That night, a vulnerable woman was made safe and a heart was stirred with a vision for a more hopeful future.
The Clarendon Street Project was born.
1992 Becoming King’s Arms Project
King’s Arms Church began, with a heart to welcome the poor by embracing the mandate of Isaiah 61.
‘The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.’
The Clarendon Street Project joined the church on this mission and became King’s Arms Project.
1993 The Night Shelter becomes a staple in Bedford
The Night Shelter opened and quickly became a place of refuge for many. Exploring the darkest places in town, the team supported those who had been sleeping rough for years in some cases. Each person was treated with kindness, compassion and dignity. This ethos remains fundamental to our outreach team 30 years later.
2010 King’s Arms Project becomes a charity
Through the 17 years that followed, countless lives were touched and transformed as the team’s dedication continued to shine in the heart of Bedford. The impact and scope of our work was increasing and we found ourselves attracting external funding. People were coming from far and wide to work with us and we were increasingly being called upon by partners around the town to be part of the solution. We decided it was time establish as a charity to bring clarity of purpose, structure and governance as well as create more room for growth.
2011 Meaningful Activities
We hold firm that meaningful work is more than just a task, it is a foundation of purpose and hope. However, accessing employment was and is a huge barrier for our clients. For many, it might have been years since they last worked, if even at all and perhaps have not had a structure to their days for a long time. To help with this, we started Meaningful Activities, creating safe spaces for people to engage in learning a skill. We began with a bike maintenance course. Our courses have since grown in number and variety and have become what is now known as Pathways.
2014 Move on Housing
Up until this point, we were running the Night Shelter and several hostels, but as we were helping people into work and trying to encourage independence, we realised this type of accommodation was not always suitable. Beginning with a single two-bedroom flat, we created a model of housing support where clients could live in a home, access support when needed and be able to afford it when they were working.
2016 Refugee and Migrant Services
Responding to the call to resettle refugee families fleeing war torn areas of the world, we welcomed our first family from Syria. It was a tremendous privilege to be part of their lives and humbling to witness the resilience, tenacity and grace shown by people in the most adverse of circumstances.
March 2023 Town Centre Base
After having been based at King’s House, the home of King’s Arms Church, we decided it was time to move our base into Bedford town centre to be able to be more accessible to our clients. Our building at 56 Harpur Street has quickly become a home. Our clients are regularly at the door, either for a particular group or course, a support session, needing help with something or just simply dropping by for a cup of tea.
December 2023 Winter Night Shelter
Following an incredible response from the local community, we raised funds and recruited over hundred volunteers in three weeks to open our Bedford Winter Night Shelter. We provide a warm, safe space to stay with home cooked food, a listening ear and professional support. To find out more about our Winter Night Shelter, click here.
2025 HopeWorks
Over 35 years on from that moment when a heart was moved and kindness shown to one person, we wanted to capture the essence of what has motivated us, drawn people to us and what sets our path for the future. We wanted a name which calls out the best in us, our clients and our supporters, something which embraces a belief we can unite around. So, we have become HopeWorks.
