About Us
Formed in March 2020, our team bring people together from all walks of life to help support the Hastings community aswell as many charities and organisations
A SNIPPET OF HISTORY : HEART YEAR ONE
Spent over 1000 hours transporting keyworkers to and from shifts at NHS hospitals free of charge
Delivered, in conjunction with external agencies, thousands of volunteers tasks to ensure 4000+ of the town’s most vulnerable citizens received food, medicines, practical help, guidance and other support.
Who we are
“I’ve met a whole range of different people across Hastings, both those I was able to support and my fellow volunteers. When people are left struggling, I’ve taken heart from the kindness and pragmatic action of people here.”
+ Our Volunteers
We currently have a network of over 1000 volunteers all of whom have pledged in some way to help with our work, and a wider group of some 3000 supporters via our online Facebook Group.
Our volunteers come from all walks of life including healthcare professionals, business people, fundraisers, community workers, artists and students – a diverse spectrum of caring people all wanting to do what they can to help their neighbours.
Volunteer Stories Read about some of our volunteers and how they got involved - they're a great bunch of people
+ Mutual Aid
What is Mutual Aid?
A mutual aid group is a volunteer lead initiative where groups of people in a particular area join together to support one another, meeting vital community needs without the help of official bodies. They do so in a way that prioritises those who are most vulnerable or otherwise unable to access help through regular channels.
Mutual aid isn’t about “saving” anyone; it’s about people coming together, in a spirit of solidarity, to support and look out for one another.
Find out more about Mutual Aid groups here
+ Our Constitution
HEART is a not-for-profit voluntary organisation and the registered Mutual Aid Network for Hastings & St.Leonards.
We are incorporated as a not-for-profit company, limited by guarantee. Our company number is 12762581.
We are also currently in the process of becoming a registered charity.
+ Our Policies
HEART is an equal opportunities organisation. As well as volunteers being given guidelines about safeguarding, confidentiality and boundaries, we also have a Safe Guarding Policy.
HEART Equal Oppportunities Policy
HEART Safeguarding Policy
MEET THE CORE TEAM
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Kim Batty
CO-FOUNDER
Kim has always loved her home town Hastings and has a strong belief in the strength of communities to instigate change.
“The energy and compassion of volunteers at HEART is both exciting and inspiring”
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Alastair Fairley
CO-FOUNDER
The organisations Alastair has founded, chaired, worked with and helped span the arts, heritage, environment, community and education.
“I have a fundamental believer in the power of communities to come together to support those most in need”
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Liz Johnson
TECHNOLOGY AND SYSTEMS MANAGER
In 2019 Liz chose St Leonards after living in France growing an airport ski transfer business and running a small consultancy company.
Liz signed up to volunteer in the early days of HEART and soon used her skills to help make the technology work better.
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Maria Piechocka
VOLUNTEER CO-ORDINATOR AND HUB ADVISOR
Maria spends most of her time in the Community Info Hub, where she works as a Desk Advisor and Volunteer Coordinator.
“I am delighted to be a part of a great team making a positive change in the local community”
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Leah Levane
POLICIES AND CONSTITUTIONS MANAGER
Leah moved to Hastings over 6 yrs ago and was a local councillor until May 2021.
“I’m excited about being part of developing HEART and bringing even more people together who want tomake Hastings a place that works for everyone”
What We Do
Our work focuses on three key areas:
Supporting people asking for help, either directly via our website and telephone line or referred to us by the NHS, the local Council or other charities and organisations
Providing volunteers to charities and other organisations to keep vital services going
Providing information and resources to the community to inform them what’s going on, how to keep safe and well, and access the help they need
Who we work with
HEART works with many organisation and charities around the town, both providing volunteers and collaborating on different events and projects
We are proud to be part of the Community Response Hub that was created at the beginning of the pandemic to offer a united response to Coronavirus. The Hub meets regularly to sustain this holistic approach to supporting Hastings’ community as more challenges come our way
Some of the organisations that we work with are listed below
