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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.

Many of you will already have read about our recent visit to Uganda in our CEO,Geoff’s blog. which he concluded yesterday. Today, we’re sharing a complementary perspective from Mildmay trustee Dr Peter Brunskill, whose reflections underline why this work, and how we do it, really matters.

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.

Mildmay’s CEO is joined by some of our trustees in Uganda, working with our partners to advance our new specialist health centre in Mbale, the first in a network expanding access to integrated care. Their visit includes strategic planning, partnership meetings and budget work to move the programme from planning to mobilisation.

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

Double the difference you make this Giving Tuesday (2 Dec 2025). From 1–7 Dec, Hands On Payroll Giving will match new or increased Payroll Giving donations (up to £30) and you’ll be entered into a £1,000 prize draw. Your tax‑efficient gift from pay helps Mildmay provide specialist care for people living with HIV and those experiencing homelessness. Find out more...

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.