About Us

Wintercomfort was established by Henry Rothschild and a group of local volunteers in response to the increasing number of homeless people in Cambridge.

In 1990, the volunteers began distributing warm clothing, sleeping bags and food from what was known within the community as ‘the blue bus’. In 1991, Wintercomfort became a registered charity and in 1994, moved into Overstream House on Victoria Avenue which has remained our home ever since.

Today, the charity is the only day-time service in the city, providing year-round advice and support for homeless or vulnerably housed people. Over the past three decades Wintercomfort has continued to grow and adapt to meet the needs of the homeless community.

Sadly today, our services are in greater demand than ever, and we face continued challenges within the cost of living crisis. Nevertheless, we are proud of our place at the forefront of homelessness support in Cambridge and look forward with hope to the future.

Meet our team

Wintercomfort is governed by a Board of Trustees, who give their time and expertise for free.

Sarah Halls

Chief Executive Officer

Sarah Halls

Chief Executive Officer

Sarah joined Wintercomfort as CEO in October 2011. Before joining Wintercomfort Sarah worked as a Senior Manager at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) for over 22 years. Sarah is responsible for the organisation’s strategic direction and to ensure its financial stability, governance and legal compliance. She is an Associate of the CIPD and MIoF (cert). 

“It is a privilege to lead an organisation which is so instrumental in helping people to achieve their full potential and that does so much to break down the stereotypes surrounding homelessness.”

Chris Goldsmith

Finance and Business Manager

Chris Goldsmith

Finance and Business Manager

Chris joined Wintercomfort in March of 2020 after a long career in the private sector. He has lived in the local area for over 20 years and is really enjoying the change of sector and being part of a Team that does such vital work for the homeless in Cambridge.

Agnieszka Gada

Services Manager

Agnieszka Gada

Services Manager

Agnieszka has been a member of the Wintercomfort team since 2015 when she began working as a weekend volunteer. With a degree in Sociology she has a wealth of experience in supporting people with substance misuse, criminal justice, housing and homelessness.

“I love working for an organisation that helps people to move on with their lives and brings positive change to those with the least in our community.”

James Holden

Fundraising Manager

James Holden

Fundraising Manager

James joins Wintercomfort with nearly ten years’ experience in the sector, working at both national and regional charities.

”I am excited to work with the local community and build lasting partnerships to help support the vital work that Wintercomfort does.”

Our Trustees

Jane Dominey

Chair

Joanne Crellen

Secretary

Ian Barker

Treasurer

Anne Pollintine

Andy Archer

Emma Barker

Matthew Mckeague

Annual reports

Grant and Trust support

We are supported by a wide range of grant and trust funders. A full list of our funders can be seen in our Annual Report and Accounts.

2021 Evaluation Report

Annual Reports

Wintercomfort Strategy 2024