THE Hereford based charity, Vennture, which works with families, young people and individuals says despite 2024 being a tough year for many charities, it has gone from strength to strength.
Rob Thomas who established Vennture in 2012, based on the philanthropic work of a mid-19th century Hereford vicar John Venn, and his sister Emilia Venn, said:
“Since Vennture’s earliest days each year’s annual report has reflected extraordinary year on year growth.
“This is only made possible by the continuing generosity of our donors and funders, the hard work of our employed team and our incredible volunteers.
“It’s inspiring to consider the difference our teams make each week – especially in the lives of many who find themselves in unexpected crisis with no one else to turn to,” added Rob.
During 2024, Vennture increased the number of families it mentored, and the range of specialist mentoring offered.
In total 174 families were supported benefiting 308 parents and 378 children. The charity also worked with 164 individuals battling complex challenges, many on the brink of family or relationship breakdown, some facing eviction or emerging from homelessness. It also provided emergency accommodation to 28 families including 30 children and 48 individuals.
Rob said: “Those who stay in our emergency accommodation have gone through traumatic experiences such as relationship breakdown, abuse, job loss or eviction. They can be scared, isolated and alone having lost connection with people, place and purpose. Most are ordinary, decent, hardworking people who have hit a big bump in the road, and we’re there to help,” added Rob.
Last year Vennture was also able to work with 46 primary schools, three special schools and all of Hereford’s secondary schools plus schools in Worcestershire and Monmouthshire.
Its Street Presence teams expanded their reach, increasing uniformed patrols across Hereford, Ross, and Leominster to create safer streets. This saw them respond to 276 incidents, provide direct assistance to over 1,200 people, and prevent 80 emergency service callouts.
Robert Thomas said: “Prevention remains the priority of our work. We will continue to address social challenges in rural contexts by influencing policymakers at local and national levels to address inequalities in children’s services, health, housing, and criminal justice,” added Rob.
Despite sector-wide pressures that have led to the closure of many charities, Vennture enters 2025 with stable reserves while working to diversify income sources and expand Vennture Enterprises.
Vennture’s work is made possible by financial support from The Eveson Trust, The Ludlow Trust, The Hereford Cathedral Almshouse Charity, Lloyds Bank Foundation, and numerous local donors.
The charity is heartened that many contributions come as small donations, reflecting the ongoing support for Vennture in helping vulnerable individuals and families.
