Free our Foodbank van!

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inHope is a Bristol-based charity, providing essential help for people experiencing homelessness, food insecurity and abuse.  The charity relies heavily on an electric van to ensure that food is available to foodbanks across South and East Bristol, and for the Wild Goose day-centre for people experiencing homelessness.   

Between 1st July – 31st December 2025, our Foodbanks fed 7,652 people, which means 68,868 meals were provided. This wouldn't have been possible without the use of our van! 

In 2022, we purchased a brand-new electric van, with the intention of future-proofing our services and reducing environmental impact. Due to its weight, which exceeds 3.5 tonnes, the vehicle must legally undergo HGV MOT testing rather than a standard MOT. When attempting to register the vehicle for this process, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) requested additional technical documentation.  Despite extensive engagement and effort on our part, this documentation has not been made available by either the dealership from whom we purchased the van, or the parent company.  No interim solution has been offered. As a result, the van cannot be MOT tested and cannot be used at all. 

Current impact on the charity

This situation is entirely outside of our control, yet the impact is being felt daily by us and the people we serve. Because our van is off the road: 

  • We are forced to hire replacement vans using funds that would otherwise be used to help people who need food and support. 
  • In some cases, we must also pay for a driver, increasing costs further. 
  • Staff and volunteers are spending significant time managing logistics rather than helping people. 
  • Our services are less flexible and more costly to deliver.

How you can help

a. Knowledge and expertise   

We are asking people to get in touch if they have: 

  • Experience with registering vehicles with the DVSA for a HGV MOT. 
  • Knowledge of vehicle regulation, compliance, or testing processes.
  • Ideas or insights that could help unlock a temporary or long-term solution. 

b. Practical Support 

We are also asking for practical help, including: 

  • The short-term loan of a van. 
  • Businesses or organisations able to support us with logistics. 

All offers would be discussed safely, legally, and with appropriate insurance and safeguarding in place. 

 c. Financial Support 

Any financial support from the public would make a huge difference.  Every pound donated helps us continue delivering services while this issue remains unresolved. 

Could you consider: 

  • Making a one-off donation. 
  • Setting up a short-term regular donation. 
  • Helping us cover the extra costs of van hire and drivers. 

In the event that this issue is resolved sooner than anticipated, any funds left will be used to provide food for hungry people and families in Bristol.

Get in touch with us: comms@inhope.uk

YOU CAN HELP PEOPLE REACH THEIR POTENTIAL