January 2026
As we begin a New Year, we would like to thank everyone who continues to support and engage with the work of Hammersley Homes.
Our purpose has always been to provide long-term, compassionate support for adults living with enduring mental ill-health – reducing loneliness, offering stability, and ensuring that no one is left to struggle alone.
With demand for our Outreach Programme continuing to grow as we start 2026, we are remaining committed. We are working alongside families, health and social care professionals, and you (our amazing supporters), to build a future where dignity, belonging and support are available for all… for life.
For some of our Outreach clients, Christmas is not what others know traditionally as a time of joy, but a painful reminder of how isolated their lives can be.
When routines break down, services pause for the holidays, and the world around them appears to celebrate togetherness, feelings of loneliness, anxiety and exclusion can become overwhelming.
For adults living with enduring mental ill-health, this period can be especially destabilising, and without regular contact and reassurance we are aware that some are left feeling entirely forgotten.
However thanks to your help and generosity, we were able to provide moments of warmth, connection and belonging during this difficult season.
Alongside our outreach visits and check-ins, we were pleased to offer a number of seasonal activity days to help reduce isolation, and create opportunities for the people we support to connect with one another.
During October, Hampshire Achieves held a food workshop for the people we support – ‘Healthy Cooking on a Budget’.
Those who attended watched a detailed demonstration of a healthy, balanced and nutritious meal being prepared using a slow cooker. Each person was then gifted all of the ingredients in the recipe as well as a slow cooker so they can re-create the dish within their own home.
In November, at SPUD in Sway, the our Outreach clients came together to create Christmas tree decorations. It was a simple but powerful opportunity to sit alongside others, talk, laugh and feel part of something.
Seeing their decorations then displayed at the Christmas Tree Festival at St Thomas and All Saints Church later in the month was deeply meaningful for many, and gave us a real sense of pride for being included in a wider-community celebration.
In December, staff and some of our Outreach clients headed to the Hollywood Bowl near Southampton for a Christmas Bowling Party. Not only did it bring us all together, we also had the chance to get a little competitive in the lanes!
The party gave everyone the chance to socialise and enjoy shared laughter. These are moments of normality that can feel out of reach for those who spend much of their lives alone.
Days such as the above are about far more than just the activities. They are lifelines to many who attend, and moments where isolation is replaced with connection. Where people are reminded that they matter.
As we’ve said already, the demand for our Outreach Programme continues to grow, and without sustained funding and support, opportunities like these and the consistent, trusted relationships that underpin them simply would not be possible.
Every donation and bit of support you give helps us reduce loneliness, and helps us to ensure that vulnerable adults are not left to face life alone.
It was a real joy to be part of the Local Charities Together event on Lymington High Street on Saturday 13 December.
We stood alongside many inspiring local charities and spent the day sharing festive cheer, raising awareness of vital local causes, and connecting with our community in the true spirit of Christmas.
Thanks to the kindness and generosity of everyone who stopped to say hello, we raised several hundred pounds to support the life-changing work of Hammersley Homes and fellow local charities. It was a heartfelt day that reminded us just how powerful community can be.
Take on a challenge that truly matters
By fundraising for Hammersley Homes through Global Adventure Challenges, you can help adults living with enduring mental illness feel less alone and more supported.
Every mile you walk, climb or cycle, raising vital funds for Hammersley Homes helps us provide safe spaces, meaningful activities, and hope for a better future to those we support. Push yourself! And help change a life.
Additionally, if you book now, you can save 26% on registration fees for long haul overseas challenges in 2026 and 2027 – and have lots of fun while you are doing it!
Could YOU be our next fundraiser ?
Sometimes it starts with a small idea, a kind thought, or simply a wish to make a difference. Whether it’s a walk, run, bake sale, coffee morning, or a simple gathering in your community; every effort, no matter the size, helps us support people who need it most.
If you’re at the very beginning of an idea, or already have something in mind, we’d love to hear from you.
We can be there to support you and help in whatever way feels right for you, and we would be so grateful to have you alongside us.
Email us at info@hammersleyhomes.org
Go on… Get in touch!
Grants
We were thrilled to recently receive £3,000 from The Lady More Charitable Trust. This Grant will provide us with essential funding, and allow us to continue the vital work that we do. Thank you very much from all of us at Hammersley Homes!
Limit-seekers!
Mind-over-matter athletes!
This isn’t just about distance. It’s about grit. Repetition. Mental strength when your legs are screaming to stop. If you missed the London Marathon or want something even more to test your limits, then this is your moment!
Whether you’re an experienced ultra-runner or ready to step into the unknown, this is a rare chance to push yourself and run for something bigger than yourself.
Not sure if you can manage the whole 50km? No worries! You also have the option to run as part of a team, and to conquer the distance together.
50km. One track. No excuses.
Registration is just £20 per person!
Click here to register your interest.
Music, Community and Hope…
And because moments like this matter so deeply, we are delighted to share a little glimpse of what’s ahead.
This June, the picturesque garden at Kingfishers in Lymington will once again be filled with music, connection and purpose, as we return for another special weekend, hosted by our wonderful Ambassador, Amanda Mann.
Each note played, each voice raised, and each shared moment will continue to support our mission at Hammersley Homes.
Please keep your eyes peeled for more details very soon. We cannot wait to welcome you back and, together, turn music into hope once again.
We’re so pleased to share that the Autumn Walk will return in 2026 but with a whole new twist! Once again, we’ll be inviting our community to walk, run, or simply stroll together. Surrounded by nature, connection, and purpose, every step taken will help fund the lifelong care, companionship, and stability that we provide to the people we support.
Full details are coming soon, so keep checking our website and socials for updates.
This edition, we meet the fabulous Laurie Ström, our PA to the Board of Trustees. Whilst she is not a new face to the charity as she has been known to us for years, she joined us just in time for Christmas in a paid capacity. Let’s get to know a little more about her…
1. Laurie, it is an absolute pleasure to have you on board with us at Hammersley Homes. Although it is very early days in your role as PA to the Board of Trustees, you have been volunteering with us for some time. Can you tell us a little more about your background and what led you to us?
I am delighted to be on board and I am very excited about being part of the charity and all its good works. I have a very varied background, but mostly what led me to you is my long-standing connection to Louise Hallett. I started working for Louise when I was 23 when she had a fine art insurance company, and we have always enjoyed a wonderful friendship as well as a strong working relationship. She is still a great friend, and I love working with her. The fact that I am now working for such a good cause is just amazing.
2. You clearly have a penchant for organisation and networking. What is your professional background?
I do love organisation! My professional background began in restaurants actually, and then I was lucky enough to get a job with Louise. I learned so much, and had to be highly organised and detail oriented as I grew into the role of Senior Account Director at Hallett Independent. I am a natural organiser and over the years I have enjoyed a variety of roles that have allowed me to help companies become more streamlined and efficient operationally. I worked for two prominent Superyacht designers at different points, and overhauled all their back office systems and methods during my time at each. It’s a compulsion!
3. What has been your favourite aspect of volunteering or working for us so far? What have you enjoyed the most?
I very much enjoy thinking of ways we can make more connections, create relationships with useful organisations and companies, and work on ideas of fundraising events we can create. I love working in an office again with such a great team, and of course, working with Louise is always a happy place for me.
4. Now for an outside of work question; you have mentioned that you have your own business and have 2 children. Sounds very busy! What is your absolute go-to outside of work when wanting a bit of ‘down time’?
Ha! Well, I only have my kids every other week, so I do actually get time to take care of myself when they are with their Dad. However, the weeks they are with me, life is absolutely hectic and I barely have a moment to check in with myself. But, I know myself well, and am now at an age and have the awareness to know my boundaries and when I am doing too much and not giving enough to myself, I try and walk in nature as often as possible. Particularly the forest as I find that really resets me and brings me back to myself. I love relaxing at home with the telly or a good book, and I do breath work as often as I can remember! In the summer I swim in the sea all the time and make sure I get my Vitamin D.
… or just send us an old fashioned email if you want to say “hello'”.
All links are below…
Give to charity FOR FREE as you shop…
Remember that you can shop online and raise money for us at no further cost to you. From holidays and travel to clothing and gifts, the list is endless…
Give as you Live is free and easy – click here to register and get going!!
Support us for as little as £1 and join the fun!
Buying a ticket through One Lottery means that we can continue to grow and provide our services. Plus, 50% of all tickets sold go straight to us!
…and help us to continue our vital support to those who use our services.
Text 3HOMES to 70580
Get ahead with spreading your love this Valentines and send thoughtful e-cards instead!
Visit DontSendMeACard and choose an e-card from our portal to send to a loved one, and support a great cause.