Hawkspring sadly had to announce that it would have to close on 28 August 2015. The initial announcement received lots of media coverage and was followed by an overwhelming amount of support from members of the public, local councillors, other charities and statutory services. Over 3,700 people signed the petition supporting the continuation of Hawkspring’s vital work and the organisation has been inundated with messages of goodwill. We are delighted to announce that Mark Goodway from The Matthew Tree Project came forward and proposed a merger with Hawkspring, this has been agreed by both boards of trustees as a positive way forward. The merger will not only give Hawkspring longer term financial stability, but also enables us to integrate highly compatible support services which will benefit some of the most vulnerable people in Bristol, Merging will allow us to continue to develop the holistic approach that we have demonstrated brings about longer lasting positive change to the clients we support. As a result of this offer to merge with TMTP, we have also received the fantastic news that Quartet are going to provide the funding we need, in order to continue providing our services whilst the merger process take place into next year. Our desire to effect positive change and empower our clients to rebuild their lives is resolute and we would like to say a huge thank you to all the people who have come forward so passionately to support us. We believe we add a lot of social value and complement the commissioned services provided by the council and want to continue to play a part in the city’s overall strategy for the benefit of some of the most vulnerable people in Bristol, we know that the integration of services will enhance the support we offer our clients and their families and children, therefore, we want to work with the council and other services to make sure important local assessable support can continue to help some of the most in need in Bristol.