Hands of Hope - Community Hub Consultation

Set up in July 2016, Hands of Hope is a community-based charity on a mission to:

“Inspire children, families and adults to lead and sustain fitter, healthier and happier lives by increasing their access and knowledge of healthy food, food growing and cooking”.

We have recently acquired a historical walled kitchen garden, now derelict, and 18 adjoining acres in Hawkhurst, West Kent. Our aim is to restore and regenerate the site into an innovative “Community Hub” for the whole region, offering access to educational programmes that utilise the power of growing and cooking to improve health and wellbeing. From Sow to Grow to Look to Cook the Community Hub will be:

• A place to grow
• A place to learn e.g. schools projects, growing programmes, cookery club; workshops and events; sustainable gardening, healthy eating etc.
• A place for nature e.g. wild areas, biodiversity, bees, pond, wildflower meadow
• A place for children - Schools projects, nature play, forest school
• A place to access fresh affordable in season and organic produce
• A place to feel connected e.g. welcoming, inclusive, a sense of community
• A place to connect with each other and with nature
• A place that is sustainable offering a valuable legacy to future generations.

Our plan is to develop a range of programmes aimed at tackling some of the biggest health issues facing us in the 21^st Century, including childhood obesity, loneliness and mental health; collaborating with experienced providers in the delivery of these programmes. We are currently reaching out to key stakeholder groups including schools, asking for their input with regards to the need. Please take a few minutes of your time to help us understand the needs in our region.

School survey

See the Hands of Hope Charity website for more information

Contact Details

Hands of Hope Charity
Telephone: 01424 834768
Email: info@hohcharity.co.uk