Draft:Matthew Tree Project
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| Submission declined on 24 June 2025 by Gheus (talk). This draft's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article. In summary, the draft needs multiple published sources that are: Declined by Gheus 18 hours ago.
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Comment: In accordance with Wikipedia's Conflict of interest policy, I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. Mark180378 (talk) 13:14, 24 June 2025 (UTC)
 | This user has publicly declared that they have a conflict of interest regarding the Wikipedia article The Matthew Tree Project. |
The Matthew Tree Project (TMTP) is a UK-based registered charity (no.1146401) headquartered in Bristol, England, which delivers holistic crisis support services to people experiencing poverty, food insecurity, and social exclusion. Founded in 2010, it is recognised for its pioneering approach to addressing the root causes of poverty rather than simply responding to its symptoms.[1]
Founding and ethos
[edit]TMTP was founded in 2010 by Mark Goodway MBE. The charity takes inspiration from biblical teachings, notably Matthew 25:31–46, Mark 12:28–31, and James 2:14–17. While the organisation is faith-inspired, it does not seek to promote religion and supports individuals of all beliefs or none. The name "Matthew Tree" allows the the charity to reflect its commitment to compassion, dignity, and practical assistance for those in need as seen by the use of the word 'love' written in Chinese within the tree element of the charity's logo.[2]
Services and programmes
[edit]TMTP's flagship initiative is the Rebuilding Lives programme. This open-ended support model combines emergency aid (such as food, fuel and essentials) with long-term, personalised help, including housing support, financial literacy, mental health support, and skills development.[3]
In contrast to traditional food banks, the charity operates on a "food plus" model, providing both sustenance and tailored interventions to promote recovery and independence. Clients are supported for as long as needed, and the service is designed to be inclusive, holistic, and relationship-based.[4]
Community and reach
[edit]TMTP serves individuals across Bristol and neighbouring areas, supporting thousands of people annually through its integrated community support hubs. TMTP provides food and fuel aid as part of its holistic Rebuilding Lives programme — a long-term support model designed to help individuals overcome the root causes of crisis such as housing instability, poor mental health, and financial hardship[5]
While nutritious food remains central to the charity's offer, it is not viewed as a standalone service. Instead, food provision functions as an immediate gateway to tailored, wraparound support. For individuals who approach the charity in need of only short-term food assistance — and not long-term help — TMTP refers them to nearby food banks and community food clubs, ensuring its resources are focused on those requiring sustained intervention[6]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, TMTP significantly expanded its operations, increasing food provision from 8,000 to 9,000 meals per week. According to data published by Feeding Bristol, this accounted for over one-third of all food aid meals distributed citywide during that period[7]
TMTP serves individuals across Bristol and neighbouring areas, supporting thousands of people annually. Its community food centre model has influenced broader policy discussions on food justice and local welfare reform. TMTP advised Frank Field MP during the setting up of the APPG Public Inquiry into food poverty in the UK and provided evidence to the Inquiry.[8]
Recognition and impact
[edit]The charity has also been profiled in media outlets such as the BBC1 Panorama programme Hungry Britain,[9] BBC1 Inside Out West,[10] Al Jazeera Left Behind Britain,[11] ITV News,[12] for its dignified, sustainable, and person-centred response towards its objective of ending poverty in the UK.[13]
Partnerships and funding
[edit]The organisation partners with local authorities, schools, NHS services, businesses, and other charities. It is supported by a combination of grant funding, charitable donations, and community fundraising initiatives.[14] TMTP is also the founding body behind RISE Social Enterprise, its trading subsidiary.
See also
[edit]External links
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Butler, Patrick (18 June 2013). "'We hate to be called a food bank'". The Guardian.
- ^ "THE MATTHEW TREE PROJECT (2024 Winner: Non-Profit Organisation Awards)". Acquisition International.
- ^ Admin, Prestige Awards (July 9, 2020). "AN INTERVIEW WITH MARK GOODWAY ON CHANGING THE LIVES OF BRISTOL'S DISADVANTAGED".
- ^ Clarke, Lewis (June 16, 2023). "Mark's tireless commitment to eradicating poverty rewarded with MBE". Bristol Live.
- ^ "A Zero Hunger City – Tackling food poverty in London | London City Hall".
- ^ "The Matthew Tree Project".
- ^ Bristol, University of. "COVID-19: Local coordination delivered emergency food, but food plans must address food insecurity | PolicyBristol | University of Bristol". www.bristol.ac.uk.
- ^ https://feedingbritain.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/feeding_britain_report_2014-2.pdf
- ^ "Hungry Britain Panorama Hunger Crisis in uk". March 3, 2014 – via YouTube.
- ^ "TMTP_InsideOut_26nov12". April 6, 2013 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Left behind in the economic recovery". Al Jazeera.
- ^ "KINGS HONOURS JUNE 2023". June 20, 2023 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Mark Goodway | CEO | The Matthew Tree Project". June 29, 2024.
- ^ "Explore projects | Crowdfunder.co.uk".
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