🎶 Kingfishers - Fundraising Update! 🎶
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our supporters, sponsors, volunteers and everyone who attended the Kingfishers Music Weekend, we are delighted to announce that the event raised over £42,000, across the two-day programme, for both Hammersley Homes and the Coda Music & Arts Trust.
From the spectacular An Evening of Opera on Saturday to the lively performance by The Cosimo Matassa Project on Sunday, the weekend was a tremendous celebration of music, community and generosity. None of this would have been possible without the kindness of our wonderful hostess, Amanda Mann, our talented performers, generous sponsors, dedicated volunteers and of course, every single person who bought a ticket and joined us.
The funds raised will make a real and lasting difference, helping Hammersley Homes continue to provide vital support for adults living with enduring mental health challenges through our Outreach Programme, while bringing us ever closer to our vision of creating permanent supported homes for life.
“To everyone who supported the event in any way, whether by attending, volunteering, sponsoring, donating or helping behind the scenes, thank you! Your generosity is changing lives, reducing isolation and giving hope to some of the most vulnerable people in our community”
Louise Hallett – Founder.
Hammersley Homes at NHS Connect & Thrive
Hammersley Homes was delighted to speak at the NHS Connect & Thrive 2026 event, hosted by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Engagement Team. The event brought together NHS and voluntary sector organisations to explore how partnership working can build stronger, more connected communities.
Our Director of Operations, Laura De Franco, shared Hammersley Homes’ vision of providing specialist housing and lifelong support for adults living with enduring mental illness. Lau’s presentation highlighted the vital role of our Outreach Service, asking the important question: “What happens with the time between doctor and hospital appointments?” Recovery is about more than clinical care – it is built through trusted relationships, everyday support and a sense of belonging.
Thank you to the HIOW Community Engagement Team for the opportunity to share our work and demonstrate how collaboration between the NHS and the voluntary sector can help people not just survive, but truly thrive.
Visit Us at The New Forest Show!
We’re excited to be returning to the New Forest Show from 28–30 July, where we’ll be sharing our vision of a future – in which adults living with enduring mental illness have access to the long-term support, community and housing. Come and meet the team, learn more about our work and find out how you can support Hammersley Homes.
📍 Find us at:
Stand 176, Block 13
The New Forest Showground, New Park, Clay Hill, Brockenhurst SO42 7QH
Project Mana - Connection Session
Hammersley Homes’ Outreach Service recently organised a wonderful Connection Session at Project Manna, a peaceful therapeutic smallholding near the New Forest. Our members enjoyed gardening, cooking, leathercraft and relaxing by the riverbank.
Sessions like this demonstrate why our Outreach Service is so invaluable, giving people who are often isolated due to their mental illness, the opportunity to connect with others, try something new and enjoy a welcoming, supportive environment. What a memorable day – your donations really do make a difference!!
🎶 Kingfishers - 18th August Event 🎶
Although Amanda, our hostess, said that she had hosted her last event, after our fabulous fundraising Weekend of Music last month, never say never …. We have twisted her arm, and she’s agreed to host this exciting performance of Mozart’s “Così fan tutte” performed by the acclaimed Scherzo Ensemble, to raise funds for Hammersley Homes – so bring a picnic, gather your friends and join us for a magical summer evening of opera in the beautiful gardens at Kingfishers, Lymington, on Tuesday 18 August 2026.
Tickets are £40 per person, with proceeds that go directly to Hammersley Homes. Advance booking is advised!
2026 Big Give Christmas Challenge - Starts Now!
You might think it’s a bit early to start talking about Christmas…
We are delighted to announce that Hammersley Homes has once again been accepted to take part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2026!
The Big Give Christmas Challenge is the UK’s largest annual match-funding campaign, giving charities the opportunity to double public donations and raise twice as much for their vital work.
This year, we aim to raise at least £20,000, but first, we need to secure £5,000 in pledges by the end of August. These pledges will provide match funding, doubling donations made by the public during Christmas Challenge week later this year.
The minimum pledge is £100, and you will only be asked to fulfil it if we receive the required level of public donations during the campaign. Pledge payment will not be due until the end of this year.
If you would consider supporting us with a pledge, please get in touch and we will send you further details. Thank you for helping us make a difference!
Fergus Lyons - Outreach Support Worker
Hi Fergus! Can you tell us a little about your new role at Hammersley Homes?
I’m delighted to have found an opportunity that feels right for me at this stage of my life. My role allows me to bring together my experience and passion for helping people live as independently as possible.
What are you most looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to working with the wonderful Outreach team, building new relationships and getting to know the people we support. I’m excited to see how much we can learn and grow together.
What led you to a career supporting others?
After leaving school, I worked on building sites as a junior engineer. However, I soon realised it wasn’t the right path for me, so at 26, I took the daunting step of going to university to study learning disabilities. This decision was inspired by volunteering experiences that I found both enjoyable and deeply rewarding.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
For me, it’s the people who make a job fulfilling. Being part of a supportive team and having a real sense of meaning and purpose helps me flourish—which is exactly what I have found at Hammersley Homes.
What do you enjoy doing outside work?
I love spending time in nature, whether that’s going for a run or a cycle ride. I also enjoy simply relaxing and taking it easy.
We are always working at three things:
- Raising awareness of the issues we champion and the fact that serious and enduring mental illnesses are a societal problem, not just a problem for those who have experience of this.
- Raising the profile of Hammersley Homes and the work we are doing to address these problems.
- Raising funds.
The more people who know about us, the better!
There are many vital sources of income that help sustain our work. These include corporate partnerships, major donors, charitable trusts and foundations, legacies and regular donations. Monthly gifts are especially valuable, as they provide a reliable income which helps us plan for the future.
… or just send us an old fashioned email if you want to say “hello'”.
All links are below…
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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!
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