Author: Gh8k2tTu

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Living History – a successful two-year programme delivered by Hands of Hope

Volunteer using a Shave Horse

We would like to thank National Lottery Heritage Fund for supporting the delivery of Living History – a 2-year programme of activities that brought people together to learn, collaborate and to provide support for one another. We have enabled diverse groups to come together including adults with learning disabilities, older people, families, lone residents, school children and children with additional educational needs.

Living History has provided a gateway to a deeper understanding and connection with the rich and diverse cultural, community and environmental heritage of Hope Farm and more people in the region value it and engage regularly, with many having increased skills and knowledge and connections through the delivery of this successful programme.

We would like to thank all our supporters, Volunteers, Staff and Trustees, who made this project such a joy to be a part of.

We hope you enjoy the evaluation film produced by Bexhill College Media students as well as the Outcomes Report.

Living History Outcomes Report

Living History - Outcomes Report

Click to view our report on the two-year Living History programme delivered by Hands of Hope.

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Freelance Fundraiser Required

Join Our Team

Following the successful completion of our capital development plans, we are now recruiting for a new P/T Freelance Fundraiser to support us during this new, exciting phase of our journey.

To bolster our plans, we are recruiting for a talented and dynamic Fundraising Professional who will be responsible for developing a new Fundraising Strategy and delivering on our Fundraising Plans. 

You will focus on growing and sustaining income from diverse sources including charitable trusts and foundations, community giving, corporate funding, whilst ensuring appropriate stewardship of fundraising relationships and contributing to the charity’s overarching fundraising strategy ensuring the long-term sustainability of the organisation’s programme delivery and activities.

Full Details

If you’re interested to find out more about this role, please view the Freelance Fundraiser Job Description.

How To Apply

To be considered for this freelance work supporting Hands of Hope, please send your CV and an outline of your experience to James Doran, Chair.  – james.doran@hohcharity.co.uk

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FLORISTRY VOLUNTEER SOUGHT FOR ‘HOPE FLOWERS’

Dahlia grown at Hope Flowers

Floristry Volunteer for local community charity, Hands of Hope, to support our weekly Flower Subscription project – Hope Flowers – June to October 2025

Do you have a passion for floristry? Do you have 4 hours a week to spare between June and October 2025 to help us launch and deliver a new not-for-profit Flower Subscription Service?

We are an organic Market & Cut Flower Garden based in Hawkhurst – Hope Farm Community Garden. We are a no-dig, Soil Association Accredited community space. Set up in 2016 by the current trustees, we have restored and developed a neglected Edwardian walled kitchen garden and 22 acres of National Landscape land whilst conserving the site’s natural heritage.  We deliver programmes aimed at tackling rural isolation, loneliness, and food poverty, as well as improving mental, physical & environmental health for communities throughout Rother, Hastings, & West Kent. We are recipients of The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Due to the success of our Pop-up Farm Shop and Cafe in 2024, we are planning a new, Volunteer-led, weekly Cut Flower Subscription Service supplying on average 20 bouquets per week “Hope Flowers”.

We are reaching out to people with experience or passion for all things flowers and floristy who could help us set up the initiative as well as working with us for 4 hours per week between June and October.

Skills

You will be a patient and enthusiastic individual with a willingness to support and enable others to work towards a goal.

You will need to have some skills, especially in floristry or flower arranging.

Benefits

  • Develop and gain new skills including mentoring.
  • Put your skills to use and make a lasting difference to people’s lives   
  • Meet and work with new and interesting people.

When do I need to be available?

  • 4 hours one day a week preferably Thursday afternoon.
  • Weekly from June through to October 2025.

For an initial discussion and to find out more contact our Head Gardener, Isobel Spence – isobel.spence@hohcharity.co.uk

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VACANCY: VOLUNTEER & ENGAGEMENT LEAD

Corporate Volunteering

We are recruiting for a Volunteer & Engagement Lead (part-time)

Hours: All Day – Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday

Salary: £26,000 per annum (Pro-rata)

Location: Hope Farm Community Garden, Hawkhurst

We are looking for a “people person” who loves the variety of working with people and nature,
recruiting, retaining and supporting volunteers and visiting groups – outdoors and indoors – all
year round and in all weather. A strong communicator, who thrives on inspiring and motivating
people to participate in activities aligned to growing, cooking and nature. You will lead on the recruitment, induction, management, and support of volunteering across the charity and collaborating with a small team of trustees, project leads and staff, help encourage more diverse engagement with Green Spaces through closer working with schools, young adults, community groups, health professionals, local businesses, sponsorship, and corporate volunteering.

TO APPLY:

Read the full Job Description: Volunteer & Engagement Lead

To apply for this position please send a current CV to Mandy Doran, Trustee at contact@hohcharity.co.uk with a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.

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Celebrating Impact: Hands of Hope Releases Annual Impact Statement for 2023

Hands of Hope Impact Report 2023

Dear Friends and Supporters,

We are thrilled to announce the release of Hands of Hope’s Annual Impact Statement for the year 2023. This document is a testament to the incredible journey we’ve embarked on together, the lives we’ve touched, and the communities we’ve transformed. As we eagerly share the fruits of our collective efforts, we invite you to join us in celebrating the impact we’ve made over the past year.

Gratitude: A Key Ingredient in our Success

None of these achievements would be possible without the unwavering support of our donors, volunteers, and community partners. Your dedication and belief in our mission have propelled us forward, enabling us to make a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most. We extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has been a part of the Hands of Hope family.

Looking Ahead: A Future Filled with Hope

As we reflect on the accomplishments of 2023, we are also setting our sights on the future. Hands of Hope is committed to expanding our reach, refining our programs, and innovating to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve. With your continued support, we are confident that we can create an even more significant impact in the years to come.

Access the Full Impact Statement

For those eager to dive into the details of our accomplishments, challenges, and future plans, the complete 2023 Annual Impact Statement is available on our website.

We encourage you to explore the report and share in the joy of the positive changes we’ve made together.

Join Us in Celebrating Impact

We invite you to join us in celebrating the impact we’ve achieved together. Share your thoughts, stories, and reflections on social media using the hashtag #HandsOfHopeImpact2023. Together, we can inspire others to join our mission and contribute to building a world where hope and opportunity abound. Thank you for being a vital part of the Hands of Hope community. Your support is the driving force behind every success story, and we look forward to continuing this journey of transformation and empowerment with you by our side.

With gratitude,
The Trustees and Staff Team at Hands of Hope

Hands of Hope Impact Report 2023 - Cover Page

Impact Report 2023

Click to view our annual statement on the work of Hands of Hope.

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VACANCY: HEAD OF GROWING & GARDENING – SOCIAL, COMMERCIAL, EDUCATIONAL & THERAPEUTIC

Harvesting Peppers at Hope Farm Community Garden

WE ARE RECRUITING A NEW, F/T HEAD OF GROWING & GARDENING – SOCIAL, COMMERCIAL, EDUCATIONAL & THERAPEUTIC

Salary: £35,000 per annum – OTE £50,000

Location: Hope Farm Community Garden, Hawkhurst

In 2024, we will launch our new delivery model “GCSE: Growing, Cooking, Social & Skills and Environment”, enabling us to meet the ever-increasing demand for our provision, helping us increase our impact on local challenges, by providing nature-based activities to address rural isolation and loneliness, food insecurity and unhealthy diets, improving mental & physical health, and offering opportunities for skills and employability across Growing, Cooking, and the Environment. The “Growing” element will be fundamental to our success and the role will work closely with three new category leads for Cooking, Social & Skills and Environment.

This exciting position would suit an applicant who believes in the power of Growing, Cooking and Nature to improve wellbeing and who has the drive and desire to create a legacy space.

We are looking for an innovative and highly motivated individual, a self-starter who will grasp this unique opportunity and who will work closely alongside management team and Board of Trustees to devise, launch, and deliver an integrated suite of programmes and activities aimed at engaging and supporting a diverse range of beneficiaries and organisations as well as supporting new income channels and chargeable activities to sustain the charity longer-term.

TO APPLY:

Read the full Job Description: Head of Growing & Gardening – Social, Commercial, Educational and Therapeutic

To apply for this position please send a current CV to Mandy Doran, Trustee at contact@hohcharity.co.uk with a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.

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Living History connects local school children with nature and living off the land

Living History connects local school children with nature and living off the land

Year 5 children from Cranbrook Primary School had a wonderful day connecting with nature at Hands Of Hope Charity UK with Project Rewild. They explored the walled garden then developed their knowledge of the historical importance of fire to humans in the beautiful woodland. The children then extended their firelighting and team-working skills with Luke. 

Their time in the meadow with Polly brought a deeper understand of the importance of plants and foraging. They identified meadow plants and discussed uses as food and medicines and then drank yarrow tea with the leaves they collected. The day finished with a wonderful session of painting using natural dyes.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Play Video about Living History connects local school children with nature
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Get Growing needs your vote!

Group asking people to vote for Get Growing in The People's projects

Hands of Hope’s ‘Get Growing’ programme has been shortlisted as 1 of the 5 regional finalists to receive National Lottery funding through The People’s Projects 2023 and WE NEED YOUR VOTE to help us win.

The People’s Projects gives the public a chance to vote for the projects they would like to see receive funding to improve the lives of people in their community.

We’ve asked for £54,540 so we can run Get Growing for the next year…

Vote for Get Growing
More Info

What is Get Growing?

Get Growing supports people throughout Rother, Hastings and West Kent – teaching them to grow their own food and helping communities to avoid food poverty – all supported by volunteers.
 
  • 28% of children in the local areas we support live in food poverty
  • Get Growing is supported by local people who give their time to volunteer – getting them outside, physically active, learning new skills and connected to each other

When the going gets tough, the tough Get Growing!

What will we achieve with the funding?

  • Through Get Growing, 20,000 people will receive FREE Grow Kits and support to grow their own food in whatever space they have
  • Organic fruit & veg will be delivered weekly to local food banks to help those in need

Your vote could help us secure vital funds needed to deliver this project.

How to vote

Voting for Get Growing takes just seconds and is so easy…

  1. Go to the Get Growing page on the dedicated The People’s Projects website.
  2. Click Start Voting and submit your details.
  3. Verify your vote – by text or email – depending on which option you choose. This is important as your vote won’t count without it.
Vote for Get Growing

Thank you so much for voting for us!

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Join us for a Herbal Medicine Workshop this Spring

Herbal Medicine Workshop - Spring 2023

Hope Farm Community Garden is hosting a morning workshop next week to discover and explore the medicinal properties of certain plants as they emerge from their winter sleep.

Running from 10am to 12 noon on Monday 15th May, local Medical Herbalist, Lindsey Glasheen, will lead us through the session and show us how to introduce the healing benefits of nature into our everyday lives.

TO REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP

Please contact Lindsey direct on lindseyglasheen.herbal@gmail.com