Discover the history of Hope
Discover the history of Hope
From our very first meeting in a local coffee shop, to supporting hundreds of young people across the UK, we’ve come a long way since 2009.
Over a decade of Hope
Hope Founder, Sue Trevethan already had an extensive background of supporting young people via Social Services and in the local area when she was diagnosed with cancer in 2009. She set out to find what services were available to support her three children – who were 13, 16 and 19 at the time, but soon found that no such service existed. Sue decided something had to be done to help the thousands of young people who experience the trauma and uncertainty of a family health crisis every year. She set about building a strong team of like-minded, passionate individuals with a range of professional skillsets to establish this highly successful and unique service for young people. This led to ten years of dedicated involvement including time as CEO, Chair of Trustees and President. Sue has always been passionate about a young person’s voice and the first ever Y-Team (Youth Management Team) was established early on. Just one year later, her team of volunteers had raised the funds needed for Hope to gain charity status. Hope started providing free training for professionals working ‘frontline’ with young people, giving important insight into a family health crisis and how to refer to Hope.
Hope’s first youth conference
The Y-Team organised, funded and delivered its first major events: a Youth Conference, bringing local youth organisations together to celebrate all Hope had achieved so far, and the first Jump for Hope skydive.
Y-team wins Diana Award
Hope’s Y-Team won a Diana Award, which recognises young people who inspire the lives of others.
Good Citizen Awards
Members of our Y-Team received Young Good Citizen Awards for their outstanding contributions to the community.
Hope release a song
Some of Hope’s young people worked with ‘The Voice’ contestant Vince Freeman to record and release their song, ‘We Are Hope’. Radio stations played it and interviewed the Hope Y-Team.
The Queens Award for Voluntary Service
After a successful pilot, Children in Need supported Hope to launch their national digital service. The charity also won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest possible award for voluntary groups in the UK.
More Awards for Hope
Hope received a Weston Charity Award, given for outstanding work for youth, welfare and community, and a Macmillan Excellence Award for Service Improvement, which celebrates services that greatly improve the lives of people affected by cancer.
BBC Lifeline Appeal
Presenter Sian Williams helped Hope to appear on the BBC through a Lifeline Appeal, showcasing the importance of the charity’s support and the difference it makes. Hope also started their project with St Michael’s Hospice in Herefordshire, offering pre- and post-bereavement support to young people aged 5-25 whose families were involved with the Hospice.
Open University Report
Hope collaborated with the OU to produce a report detailing the need for more support for children and young people when faced with a family health crisis. It was launched at the Houses of Parliament. Download the report here
New 5-11 Service
Members of the Y-team were invited to have a stand at His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales’s visit to Ross on Wye and were able to talk to him about the support the charity offers. Hope also opened a new children’s service in Herefordshire, expanding the service to from 11-25 to 5-25 year olds.
Hope Celebrates 10 years as a Charity
Hope celebrated 10 years as a registered charity, having supported over 650 young people at the start of the year and showcasing it with an amazing evening at the Courtyard Theatre in Hereford.
Hope Continues to Grow
The Covid Pandemic made our support for young people when a loved one has a life threatening illness more relevant than ever before, in 2021 we grew our online service to reach more young people across the whole of the UK
