2020 has not been the year that any of us expected. But God, and our supporters, have been faithful, meaning that we were not only able to remain open throughout the pandemic and lockdown, but also keep accepting residents who were urgently seeking help with their addictions.

And we didn't just stand still: against all the odds, we managed an activity break, which was as beneficial as ever in building self-esteem and community spirit; we launched our Esthertime project to reach out to women with problematic alcohol use and, as restrictions caused us to strip back the Yeldall Manor programme, so we have started to rebuild it in a way that is more creative and responsive to our residents' needs.

Thank you so much for your support which means that, even as community services struggled, and still fewer people were funded for treatment, we have been able to keep fulfilling our calling to proclaim freedom for the prisoners. Men like Stephen and Andy, whose stories feature in the newsletter, have been able to find freedom and joy and a hope of a brighter future.

As Christmas approaches, we want to give our residents the best celebration we can. Some will be struggling being away from their families. For many, it will be their first Christmas sober/clean. For all, we want to offer them a relaxing and uplifting Christmas break, whilst remembering the real reason behind the festivities.

More crucially, as we go into 2021 with the uncertainties that brings, we continue to need your help to provide our residents with a good springboard for their future lives and recovery. We rely upon people's donations to enable us to keep our doors open to men needing help. It is thanks to your support that both Stephen and Andy have been able to step forward into a more hopeful future. If you are able to make a donation at this time, every penny will be of very real benefit.

Thank you so much, and may you know Christ's richest blessing this Christmas season.