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Today we light the fifth candle at the heart of the Advent wreath—a simple symbol of light, hope, and new beginnings. To our friends, patients, families, supporters, partners, and colleagues—near and far—thank you. Your kindness, courage, and generosity help us bring dignity, care, and connection to people who need it most. May this season bring you peace, good health, and moments of joy, and may the year ahead be bright for us all.

We wish you all a happy Christmas as we reflect on 40 years since Mildmay’s rebirth as an independent charity, and we look ahead with purpose. From developing new patient pathways at Mildmay Hospital to preparing our new Uganda Health Programme, we remain committed to dignity, specialist care and partnership, made possible by the support of our community.

Peace is not passive; it is the work of reconciliation, the courage to forgive, the choice to listen. Here at Mildmay and beyond, we ask for hearts that can be gentled by grace, transformed for the situations we face, and committed to peace-making in word and deed. As we light the fourth candle, we receive Christ’s peace and become instruments of it.

We have a favourite hymn at Mildmay we sing during our lunchtime service, accompanied by the guitar and lots of noisy instruments ! It is called, “I woke up this morning with joy in my heart”, This hymn is sung over and over again by many vulnerable people who have been challenged and battered by whatever life has thrown at them.

At Mildmay, we reflect on the idea of ‘waiting’, of preparing for the great feast of Christmas.

Kevin recently shared his journey from addiction and homelessness to sobriety after stabilisation and rehabilitation at Mildmay Hospital. Wanting to encourage others undergoing recovery, he gave a powerful testimonial to an audience of fellow patients and our staff. Mildmay’s REBUILD Pathway provides a safe, structured post-detox setting with compassionate care, helping people rebuild their lives. Read Kevin’s story, in his own words.

Our Winter Appeal launches today. We’re aiming to raise £30,000 to protect the vital care Mildmay provides for people facing HIV, neurocognitive illness and homelessness. Your support will fund chaplaincy, rehabilitation and essential patient services this winter. Please give what you can to help us care for those with nowhere else to turn.

As Christmas approaches, we prepare for Jesus’s homecoming by becoming at home in ourselves. Advent begins with Hope: humility and self-acceptance - not complacency - unraveling interior knots to welcome light. The wreath’s evergreens and candles mark a journey through Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, guiding reflective practice - scripture, song, and service - toward compassionate action and readiness to brighten the world.

This World AIDS Day, Mildmay stands for Solidarity and Care. We honour lives lost and fight persistent stigma while delivering specialist care for complex needs such as Neurocognitive Disorders and homelessness. Support our Winter Appeal goal of £30,000 to safeguard essential services like Chaplaincy and core patient support. Every gift strengthens our foundation and drives our Uganda partnership.

On Thanksgiving Day, Mildmay recognised the dedication of our wonderful volunteers with a celebratory lunch, short presentation of token gifts, and music led by our friend Dominic with Dr Ben. Our volunteers’ support is integral to our work. As Christmas approaches and World AIDS Day nears, we honour lives, recognise progress and renew our commitment to compassionate, inclusive HIV care. Thank you to all our volunteers.