Luton homelessness charity NOAH is Neville Trust's charity of the year

Homelessness charity NOAH Enterprise has been named as the charity of the year for the family-owned Neville Trust.

The Neville Trust, which comprises Neville Funerals, Neville Special Projects, and Neville Joinery has announced it will be supporting the local homeless and welfare charity in a year-long partnership.

Based in Luton and Central Bedfordshire for more than 30 years, NOAH Enterprise seeks to help the most disadvantaged in the local community by providing a practical, empowering and caring service to people who are homeless, or otherwise struggling.

The charity offers welfare services, such as an emergency winter night shelter, as well as access to academy courses, and employment support.

Neville Trust partnered with NOAH Enterprise for its charity Christmas campaign in 2022 and off the back of the success decided to continue its support for the coming year. Neville Trust will be organising and taking part in a variety of fundraising events and activities, as well as pledging time to the Noah Academy.

Shannon Murphy, community and events fundraiser from NOAH Enterprise said: “For over 30 years, NOAH has been providing practical and empowering support to those experiencing homelessness and severe poverty across Luton and Bedfordshire. But this would not be possible without businesses like Neville Trust who pledge time and fundraising efforts to help those that come through the doors at NOAH. Our services are free of charge to anyone who needs them, but in real terms we need to make around two million pounds a year to continue to provide support.

“We have lots of exciting events planned for 2023, including sponsored runs, bike rides and treks, abseiling the ArcelorMittal Orbit in London, and the return of our first ever large-scale event – The BIG NOAH Sleepout.

“We cannot wait to see how our partnership with Neville Trust evolves over the year, and we are excited to see first-hand how rewarding and fulfilling the Neville’s team will feel knowing they have helped to allow a vital service to continue. We are honoured to be working with them to support the most disadvantaged in our community.”

Typically, five to 10 people who are homeless will stay at NOAH Enterprises’ shelter on any one night. Last year, 67 rough sleepers were helped by the charity. The charity is working tirelessly to start to break the cycle of homelessness for those who have experienced this repeatedly and offer basic help like health care and hot nutritious food.

Vicky Trumper, director at Neville Trust explains: “Over previous years, we have worked with NOAH and seen the vital work that they provide to those in our area. We have witnessed the positive impact that their services have on people across Luton and Bedfordshire, and we want to make sure that this service can still thrive for those that need it.

“This is why we’re proud to choose them as our Charity of the Year for 2023 and work with them to fundraise towards their Winter Appeal, and also to work with their Academy team to help individuals on their journey back into work with practical help, advice and support.”

More details of NOAH Enterprise, its work and campaigns and how to get involved can be found here at its website..