How a custard pudding brought sweet memories flooding back

At New Hope, meals are about far more than nourishment. They are moments of care, dignity, and connection - and sometimes, they unlock long lost memories.

Recently, such a moment unfolded for one man in New Hope’s emergency accommodation. The catalyst?  A simple bowl of custard. It was a powerful reminder of happier days, before homelessness turned his life upside down.

The meal was prepared by volunteers from one of the charity’s valued corporate partners. They regularly give their time to cook for those experiencing homelessness.

As the plates were served, a quiet sense of anticipation fell across the dining room. For many of our emergency guests, having a freshly cooked, well-presented meal - prepared by people who care - is a rare and meaningful experience. The main course was wonderful, but it was the dessert that stood out for our man.

When the custard was placed in front of him, he paused. Smiling, he quietly reflected on the fact that he hadn’t had custard for many, many years.

It brought back memories of family dinners

As he took his first spoonful, his expression changed. The taste brought back memories of family dinners, warm kitchens, and a time when life felt stable and secure - long before he found himself without a home and on the streets.

He spoke about those memories with emotion, describing how something so simple had transported him back to happier days. For a few moments, homelessness faded into the background, to be replaced by a sense of comfort and familiarity.

Experiences like this highlight why New Hope’s work is so vital. Emergency accommodation provides safety and shelter, but it’s the human touches - shared meals, friendly conversations, and familiar flavours - that help rebuild confidence and self-worth.

For people experiencing homelessness, life can become focused on survival. Enjoyment, choice, and nostalgia are often lost along the way. A bowl of custard may seem insignificant, but in this case, it offered something far more valuable: a reminder of identity, dignity, and hope.

Corporate partners play an essential role

Watford New Hope’s corporate partners play an essential role in making moments like this possible. By volunteering their time to cook and serve meals they show residents that they are seen, valued, and cared for by the wider community.

Homelessness can strip people of routine, comfort, and connection. At New Hope, every effort is made to restore those things, even in small ways.

That spoonful of custard reminded one man that his life is more than his current unfortunate circumstance. It reminded him that happiness, warmth, and normality are still possible - and that he hasn’t been forgotten.

Sometimes, it’s the smallest and simplest things - a warm meal, a familiar taste, a shared smile - that make the biggest differences.