Earlier this summer, two members of Hastoe’s team paid a visit to Hope Farm Community Garden, nestled in the East Sussex countryside in Hawkhurst. It’s home to the local charity Hands of Hope, who recently received a Hastoe community grant to support their incredible work bringing people together through growing, cooking and nature. The charity delivers small community projects that tackle food poverty, rural isolation and loneliness as well as offering a safe and secure space for vulnerable groups including people with dementia and children with additional educational needs.
Since 2021, Hastoe has awarded three Community Grants to the project, each supporting a different aspect of their work:
- 2021–22: £250 to repair and restore the Edwardian walled kitchen garden. Some sections of the brickwork were collapsing and the metalwork for the gates and railings had been stolen and needed replacing.
- 2022–23: £250 to fund the Get Growing Buddies scheme, supporting isolated individuals and vulnerable groups through gardening and mental health partnerships. Hands of Hope said, "We run two separate weekly groups. The aim is to provide support for individuals living in rural communities experiencing social isolation and loneliness and working with West Kent MIND, we aim to provide a safe space for those dealing with mental health issues. Additionally, we hope to offer training and guidance enabling Growing Buddies to go out into the community and help others."
- 2024–25: £250 to purchase 100 pairs of gardening gloves, enabling safe and inclusive participation in growing activities.
Combining natural and community heritage, we aim to teach people and their communities practical ways to sustain, conserve, protect and improve the natural environment – improving lives by connecting people with nature and each other.
On arrival, the team was greeted by founder and chair James and co-founder Sosi, along with volunteers Margaret and Mari - who have both dedicated ten years to the project.
Helen, who manages Hastoe's Community Grants said: “It’s a peaceful setting; inspirational and full of purpose. Everyone's working together: learning how to grow their own food, sharing skills and reconnecting with nature.”
Hands of Hope supports people across Rother, Hastings and West Kent, including Hastoe residents living in rural villages nearby. Some take part in growing sessions, while others benefit from the charity’s meal programmes or wellbeing walks.
Caroline, who helps to approve the Community Grants, said: “This is exactly what our grants are for. It's wonderful to see projects driven by people who live there who are helping their communities grow stronger and healthier.”
Above from left: volunteer and retired florist Mari, volunteer Margaret picking flowers and Caroline from Hastoe.
If you’re a Hastoe resident living in the area and would like to visit Hope Farm or join one of the Hands of Hope sessions, you can find out more on their website.
Do you have a community project which would benefit from extra funding?
