2005
The Full Gospel Church, Rushden, identified a community need for those experiencing homelessness and how other barriers made it difficult to access housing. As part of it’s mission, the church congregation started to support those in need in the area
2007
This developed into the opening of a night shelter, adapted from outbuildings at the side of the church. Volunteers from the church and community got involved.
2009
Soon after, a food bank was set up to help those in financial crisis.
2011
East Northants Faith Group was born as an umbrella organisation to bring faith based groups together to help those in need.
In partnership between the Full Gospel Church and the charity, a community Cafe was set up in order for low cost hot meals.
2013
We became a registered charity – East Northants Faith Group – with a Board of Trustees to oversee the running of the charity
2014
The charity recognised that addiction was a barrier for those facing homelessness. In response to this, ‘Recovery House’ was set up as a residential rehab
Properties were secured to enable move-on dry houses for the rehab to help reintegrate individuals into society
2015
The working name of ‘East Northants Community Services’ was set up to represent the delivery side of the charity whilst the faith based activities were focused on bringing together community groups.
2017
The charity supported the opening of another food bank in Raunds to enable them to work together and share infrastructure
2018
Mark Lees, the founder of the charity and then minister of the Full Gospel Church, steps down as a trustee to pursue his new calling
2019
In partnership with the local authority, the charity opened up another homeless service in Corby, housing 21 people
2020
The pandemic hit the world, and we had to close our night shelter following government guidance. We also reduced our numbers in Corby from 21 to 9 to ensure single units
2020
Our Outreach service started, working with the local authority to support rough sleepers and prevent people having to sleep rough
2021
We secured a new premises for our Rushden accommodation, changing it from a traditional ‘night shelter’ to a single unit homeless supported accommodation
Thrapston food bank opened, run by volunteers
The offices and food bank in Rushden relocated to more suitable, fit for purpose premises in the town centre
2022
The name of the charity changed to ‘Encompass’ to more accurately represent what the charity does and where
What does the future hold?
Help change the future for those in need
Help us provide homes for people who are homeless, food for those in poverty, and a safe and therapeutic environment for those facing addiction.