As interest is rising in Hope08, churches and individuals are looking for ideas to help make the most of next year.

Most people involved in 'words and deeds' mission have been overwhelmingly positive about their experiences - and the impact has lasted.

That's been confirmed by Churches Together in England and Frontier Youth Trust, who examined five initiatives around the UK over the past six years. Their resulting report shows that people who have committed to the concept of Hope08 are heading in the right direction. Commissioned by Jerusalem Trust, researchers studied the impact of Manchester 2000, Festival Manchester, Soul in the City-London, MerseyFest and NE1.

'The events…provided great opportunities for churches and Christian agencies to work together,' said Churches Together. Two key learning points emerged:

• Very big events can have a big immediate impact. But focusing on a smaller number of estates, where projects can be chosen more carefully, and detailed plans for follow-up put in place, provides more sustainable outcomes;

• although local communities were mainly positive about the events, importantly, few people remembered who had been behind all the good work.

The report recommends better communication about the nature of local events. Hope08 helps by allowing widespread use of the national logo, and providing training resources through bodies like the Christian Enquiry Agency.

If groups and churches commit to the core concept of Hope08 - which is to share the gospel through words and action, with 2008 as a launchpad - then they will be effectively following the recommendations of the report.