A few weeks ago, we took a moment to do something we don’t always make time for; we celebrated.
We opened up our Love It Again shop for the evening, laid out some food, poured some drinks, and shared a cake with around 45 wonderful people from across the Horsham community. Local VIPs and familiar faces came together not because they’ve all been part of our journey from the start, but simply to mark the occasion and show their support for what Horsham Matters is and what we do. It was a really lovely evening, and one we won’t forget in a hurry.
Twenty Years. So Much Has Changed.
When Horsham Matters was founded in 2006, we were a small charity funded by local churches with a simple but powerful belief: that nobody in our community should face hardship alone.
Two decades on, that belief hasn’t changed, but almost everything else has. What began as a modest local effort has grown into something far bigger than we could ever have imagined. Today, we support around 630 people every single month across the Horsham District. We run 15 foodbank sessions, giving people access to emergency food when they need it most. Our Outreach and Support Team work alongside individuals to help them tackle the root causes of hardship: budgeting, benefits, advocacy, and guidance. Not just getting people through a crisis, but helping them find a way forward.
Our two Connecting Cafés offer something just as important: a safe, friendly space to walk through the door, sit down with a cuppa, a meal and feel like you belong. And our Love It Again shop – the very room where we held our celebration. Helps turn donated pre-loved goods into vital income and creates affordable finds for the local community.
It’s a lot. And we’re proud of every bit of it.
The Part That Stays With Us
Of course, alongside the pride there’s a sadness too. When we started out, we hoped that over time the need for what we do would lessen. In reality, the opposite has been true. More people than ever are turning to us for support, and that’s not something we ever lose sight of, even on a celebratory evening like this one.
It’s what keeps us going, and it’s what keeps our brilliant team and 112 volunteers showing up every day.
A Special Evening
Our CEO Kelvin gave a heartfelt speech on the night, looking back on twenty years of growth, challenges and community spirit. It was one of those moments that quietly reminds you why this work matters so much, and why the people behind it care so deeply. As Kelvin put it: “What began as a small initiative rooted in compassion and neighbourly support has grown into a vibrant, independent charity providing foodbank services, essential household items and vital wraparound support to thousands of people across the Horsham district. Last year alone, we supported over 9,000 families in their time of need.
Get Involved
As we look ahead to the next twenty years, we’d love more of Horsham’s community to get involved in what we do.
Whether you’re a local business, organisation or individual, there are lots of ways to support Horsham Matters:
- Become a corporate partner – find out more
- Donate food, goods or money – see how to help
- Volunteer your time – join our team
Get in touch today, we’d love to hear from you!
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