April’22 Newsletter
Ahoy there me HEARTies,
Here’s some HEART news before you start daubing yourself in green paint, revving your motorbikes up or hiding away from the revellers!
Last week was the first Get Chatting at The Nest café in the Old Town. It was a lovely afternoon with a steady flow of intriguing conversations between people that hadn’t met before, sharing their stories, making friends and having a cup of something.
HEART’s Laura and Alastair made sure those that needed a lift got there, making this the inclusive event we want it to be. For some, this was the first bit of community connection and interaction they have had for a while, others found it a good way to be part of the community after recently moving to Hastings. It was a very uplifting afternoon and coupled with the spring sunshine left a warm glow in our HEARTs (aaah).
Thank you to the HEART volunteers that came, it’s always nice to see you – if you or someone you know would like to come and have a chat, this event is open to everyone. We can also provide transport, just leave us a message on our phoneline 01424 235290 and we’ll give you a call back.
Get chatting is every other Wednesday between 2-4pm at The Nest in the Old Town. The next one is on Wednesday the 4th May.
HEART is delighted to have a new home at Citizens Advice 1066 in St. Leonards. Our new office is gradually filling up with our other two passions – plants and stationery. This new base means that volunteers can come and meet each other and the core team in “real-life”. It may be a horrible shock!
Big thank you to Citizens Advice 1066 – it’s already made a difference.
Hastings Voluntary Action (HVA) and the Institute for Volunteering Research (IVR ) have got together to create an exciting new survey about volunteering in Hastings. Over the last two years volunteering has become even more prominent as people have shown their co-operation and generosity during the pandemic. Many of you may have helped out a neighbour, been part of a street team or even joined a mutual aid group like HEART.
This survey is open to everyone whether you have volunteered or not. It takes less than 10 minutes to fill out, please share it on your social media, give it to a friend and spread the word.
The surveys are anonymous and only collect your views and experiences. It’s important to hear what YOU think. Click HERE to get the link to the survey.
NEW DIGITAL INCLUSION TEAM
Thank you to the people that have signed up to be part of our Digital Inclusion Team, we had a great response. We are working with Tech Resort who will be training the team in how to impart their knowledge and get those people struggling to get online the skills they need to do it.
Being online is such a big part of modern life and you can really make a difference to someone’s quality of life by showing them how to access to it. Sign up to join the digital inclusion team HERE – full training given.
WELL DESERVED CERTIFICATES GO OUT TO VACCINATION CLINIC VOLUNTEERS
Over the next week certificates are being given out to the volunteers that have been tirelessly supporting the vaccination clinic in the town centre. This is to recognize the extraordinary amount of support and time they have all given and most importantly to say Thank You. You have made a big difference to the people that have visited the clinic, the staff at the centre and the NHS – Well Done!
NEW PREMISES FOR ART ON PRESCRIPTION AND CALL OUT FOR VOLUNTEERS
Congratulations to Arts On Prescription who have opened their new premises Art in the Park! A lovely spot by the bowling green in Alexandra Park. Thank you to all our HEART volunteers that went to help at their busy Easter Fete, you really helped make the day the success it was.
Arts on Prescription are running another event on the 7th of June from 11-4pm and are looking for volunteer stewards to help support the artists. If you’d like to find out more click HERE.
GOOD LUCK TO OUR FANTASTIC VOLUNTEER CO-ORDINATOR - CLAIRE CHAMBERLAIN
Our brilliant Volunteer Co-Ordinator Claire Chamberlain needs to step down from her role to concentrate on her new job at Good Life Sorted. We wish you all the best and from everyone at HEART a great big THANK YOU. The door is always open for you here.
Well that brings this newsletter to a close, there’s some new projects that are about to be announced, we’re just not allowed to yet – so keep an eye on our website or social media pages. Until next time – keep safe and have a lovely bank holiday weekend.