Enabling people and communities to lead healthier and happier lives by connecting them to nature and each other
Menu
Menu
In May 2022 Hands of Hope launched our social and skills project “Great British Brick Off” (GBBO). This 1-year project delivered traditional bricklaying skills & pointing with lime mortar taught under the supervision of a skilled Bricklayer whilst utilising volunteer support from retired bricklayers, corporate volunteers as well as engaging with youngsters and the wider community interested in acquiring this skill. We restored the Edwardian “Wall” structure preserving a historical space, for generations to come.
GBBO achievements in 2022 included:
Phase 2 is “The Great British Build Off” which aims to use corporate and community support to continue our plans to develop a new, inclusive, community kitchen, cookery school and learning centre within the security of the Edwardian Wall. We want to make engagement with green spaces & healthier food options more available, affordable, and accessible to ensure that everyone– regardless of income, age, or ethnicity – has a fair chance of a healthy diet, access to the skills to grow their own as well as benefiting from nature-based activities.
Our target for this project is £521,106 and we have so far raised £352,650.
Your donation, no matter how small, can help us reach our goal. Invest in yourself and your community, and help us provide life-improving activities that positively impact both people and planet, by making a financial gift.
You can donate via PayPal at the button, or contact us for bank details.
As a donor you will see your name added to the virtual wall, being built alongside the physical ones. You will also be invited to the Grand Opening of the buildings when the project is finished.
TO REACH OUR GOAL – WE STILL NEED
£168,456
To make this happen we need building materials and a lot of it! Are you a construction company who could support us by donating the materials and equipment we need to complete the build? Or maybe you have been doing some of your own building work and have left over materials we might be able to use?
The legacy of your donations will be both the preservation and restoration of a historical space and creation of community hub for marginalised groups to attend.
If you can help us with materials please email james.doran@hohcharity.co.uk
Everyone who donates materials will have their names on our virtual wall which will be built alongside the physical ones and will also be invited to the Grand Opening event when the Cook School and Greenhouse are complete.
Could you give a day of your time to help your local community? To make the Cook School and Greenhouse happen we need your skills. We need carpenters, joiners, metalworkers and bricklayers to erect the buildings and we need fitters for the internal fit out. Could you do No Pay For Just One Day and help make this incredible community resource a reality?
If you can help please email james.doran@hohcharity.co.uk
All our skilled workspeople will have their names added to our virtual brick wall and will also be invited to the Grand Opening event when the buildings are complete.
We’re looking for pro bono help from skilled tradespersons:
Our focus is getting people out, active, skilled, and connected.
“Over the last couple of years, we have undertaken extensive community consultations to ensure we’re providing our community with exactly what they want. We are currently developing Hope Farm Community Garden as an inclusive space where participation in our programmes can help improve wellbeing through increased social contact, culturally valued activities, and mitigation of food poverty. Our focus is getting people out, active, skilled, and connected. Additionally, our site provides spaces for community connections between people from different demographics, including people of all ages, families, people who are isolated, disabled, in poor health and are experiencing mental health issues”.
James Doran, founder – Hands of Hope
We are grateful to the following major donors of finance, materials, equipment and pro bono labour that mean we’re well on our way…
Watch as Hands of Hope and the Great British Brick Off were featured on BBC South East Today’s ‘On The Map’ series.
Share this page:
Hope Farm Community Garden
Moor Hill
Hawkhurst
Kent
TN18 4QB