Spring Newsletter
First a big Thank You! to all our HEART Community Volunteers and Road Runner Drivers. We’ve had lots of requests for help, some of them more unusual than others, and found someone every time. Well done you brilliant people.
A special shout out to our new “Get Chatting” drivers, participants and students – we might need to hire a field and some porta-loos soon!
Not receiving latest volunteer opportunities? Update your details: Click Here
We’re really pleased to announce that after the success of the Community Info Hub pilot we are moving into the main space in the Town Hall – which is very exciting.
In the short time the Hub has been open we have helped over 500 people who have used our friendly drop-in face-to-face service.
As well as all sorts of support, we have taken people through online housing forms, contacted fuel companies, booked people on health walks, got appliances fixed, referred to vital services and most importantly of all, given people some time and a chance to chat.
Another big Thank You! to our Info Hub volunteers, you really are an amazing, compassionate and endlessly resourceful bunch of people.
If you want to become an Info Hub Volunteer then let us know: Click Here
ALL HANDS ON DECK!
The new Info Hub needs a little bit of TLC – We need your help to make this community space shiny, functional and welcoming.
We’re looking for volunteers to roll up their sleeves and get amongst it. Fancy helping with a bit of painting and decorating?
Thursday 20thand/or Friday 21st of April between 10am – 4pm @ the Info Hub in the Town Hall
If you can offer a bit of time ( doesn’t need to be all day ) to grab a brush and help give the Info Hub a lick of paint we would be enormously grateful – we’ll provide the tools and make you a cuppa, just make sure you’re wearing old clothes that you don’t mind getting paint on.
If you know you can help then Click Here Or just come along - the more the merrier!
Tired of not being able to access the services you need? Help improve access to your NHS services by completing this quick survey: Click Here
NHS Public Health want to know how you feel about current services - it only takes a few mins and can make a real difference!
Please share with friends and family - we want to know what you think.
Alison Noyes: Community/Info Hub Volunteer
I have moved from art college to an English degree, to Italy, to teaching literature, to commercial property law, to a small B&B, plus various volunteering roles, and now back to art. I am a Londoner but have also lived in Maidstone, Florence, Dungeness and since last May, Hastings.
Because of the war in Ukraine I intended to host Ukrainians – or other refugees - in my new house but found it was too small. A friend of mine told me about HEART instead so I emailed them.
I wanted to do a different type of volunteering (previously teaching, newsletters, with animals) and to be of some help to others less advantaged than me.
I do a few volunteering roles at HEART. Chatting at the fortnightly “Get Chatting sessions” in the Old Town.
I help people once a week with information at the Info Hub, and sometimes just listening to those wanting to offload problems.
I have also driven a woman to hospital and back and helped someone pack before moving in to a residential home.
Can you tell us about an aspect of volunteering that you’ve enjoyed?
I love chatting! I'm also good at finding out and disseminating information. Gaining an insight into how other people live. Hearing people's stories.
What do you feel you have gained from volunteering for HEART?
Feeling useful. Feeling part of Hastings. Meeting new people.
Tell us about any experiences you’ve had and/or people you have met through volunteering?
Great, friendly, supportive colleagues. The funny moments are too many to list! Being moved by people's stories. Being enraged by governmental failure adequately to support needy or even partly needy people.
What advice would you give to someone considering getting involved with volunteering for HEART?
A wish to help others, bearing in mind that for the purposes of volunteering their needs override yours. A new purpose in life. At least some liking of other people! Interest in people and information. Patience.