June Newsletter, 2026

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We are delighted to have been chosen again by our generous hostess Amanda Mann, to be one of the charities to benefit from this fabulous two-day outdoor fundraising event, heldΒ in her stunning garden, overlookingΒ the Solent & the Isle of Wight. This year we are collaborating with the Coda Music & Arts TrustΒ – another local charity that offers services to people who struggle with mental ill-health.

Saturday 20th June – While the audience picnics on the lawn, they will be entertained by world-class opera singers sharing aΒ superb repertoire with us. Β Gates open at 4:30 pm, performance at 7 pm.

Sunday 21st June – A Father’s Day treat! Β The Cosimo Matassa Project will entertain us with simply superb Rhythm & Blues music, while the audience enjoys their picnic lunch on the lawns.

⭐️ Stars for Stars for Hammersley Homes! ⭐️

We were honoured and privileged to have been nominated by the Southampton Mental Health NetworkΒ for their Stars for Stars award not once, but twice! Β  Both Hammersley Homes, and our founder Louise Hallett, received this award.

For us, this award celebrates the impact, valueΒ and reach of our dedication and effort in supporting those with severe mental illnesses and their families. What’s more, as these awards are nominated by the community, it’s a real honour to be recognised by the public for the impact made by Hammersley Homes.

They have individually honoured our founder, Louise Hallett, for establishing Hammersley Homes, demonstrating her significant work supporting those with severe mental illnesses. Since the beginning, Louise has worked tirelessly to further the reach and impact of support for vulnerable adults with persistent mental illnesses.

National Community Lottery Fund Grant!

Community Fund
Hammersley Homes is over the moon to have received a second grant from the National Community Lottery Fund!. We received nearly Β£440,000 over the next three years.

Our Director of Operations, Lau De Franco, worked on this application for months, and the result is that our Outreach Programme is now funded until May 2029! Β  This means such a lot to us, and we feel hugely privileged. A truly ENORMOUS thank you to all the Lottery players who make this possible.

A Fabulous Legacy!

We recently received the most wonderful legacy in the form of an Artist’s Estate. Β  John AltoonΒ is an American artist who died in the late 1960s. Β During his lifetime, he became well recognised and well respected in the USA, and his work is in many of the major museums and private collections across North America. Β  When his widow died at the end of 2024, her executors donated the whole Estate to Hammersley Homes.
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The income from the sale of these works will go towards establishing our first residential facility, putting us on the road towards reaching our original goal of providing fully supported homes for life, for the vulnerable people we work with. We are very excited to start work on the project of building up the reputation of this artist in Europe.

The New Forest Business Partnership Business Show

We’re excited to share that Hammersley Homes will be exhibiting at the New Forest Business Show on 18 June 2026. Β  You’ll find us at the Local Charities Together stand, alongside two brilliant fellow local charities – New Forest for Ukraine and Pedall. The show takes place at New Forest Showground, Brockenhurst, from 10am to 3pm and entry is completely free.
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If you’re a business in the region, come and say hello. We’d love to tell you about our work supporting vulnerable adults living with enduring mental illness across Hampshire, as well as exploring how we might work together.
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Where and when:Β New Forest Showground, New Park, BrockenhurstΒ 
Thursday 18 June from 10am – 3pm

Marisa Tommaselli - Office Manager

You joined us recently Marisa, as our Office Manager – a key role in our organisation, and we are delighted to have us on board.Β Β Could you tell us why you chose Hammersley Homes?

‘I chose Hammersley Homes because of its unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in people’s lives.Β Β Β The opportunity to join a supportive, passionate team and contribute to an organisation that has a meaningful impact on our local community, is something I couldn’t pass on’.
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Could you tell us something about your professional background and what skills you have brought with you to Hammersley Homes?

‘I have over 20 years of experience in software implementation, project management and operational process improvement.Β Β Β With ten years in business IT and over ten years in the global marine industry I have developed strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills, along with experience in managing operations, coordinating projects and improving processes.Β Β Β I enjoy creating efficient systems and building positive working relationships, enabling my teams to work effectively and achieve goals.Β Β Β I’m looking forward to bringing these skills to Hammersley Homes and supporting my colleagues on the Hammersley Home journey’.
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We are aware that you haven’t worked with a charity before – so far, what are the key differences that you’ve found between charity work and corporate work?

‘Coming from a corporate background, one of the biggest differences I’ve noticed is the strong sense of purpose that sits behind everything Hammersley Homes does. I.Β n the corporate world, success is often measured primarily through financial performance, whereas in the charity sector the focus is on raising funds to enable us to continue to support the people we meet, both now and in the future. At Hammersley Homes there is a very real sense of commitment to making a difference and that creates a very collaborative and supportive environment.Β Β Β While many of the skills and processes I’ve used in previous roles are transferable, it’s incredibly rewarding to know that the work we do, results in improving people’s social stability and confidence to break through the barriers of mental illness’.
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What would you think are the main changes and improvements that we can look forward to, now that you are with us?Β 

‘I hope to bring a fresh perspective, a proactive approach and a strong focus on organisation and efficiency.Β Β Β While every organisation has its own ways of working, I enjoy identifying opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen communication and make everyday tasks simple and more effective. My goal is to ensure that the operations run smoothly behind the scenes, enabling my colleagues to focus on the fantastic work they do.Β Β Β I’m looking forward to supporting the team, building strong relationships and helping Hammersley Homes reach its long-term commitments and goals’.Β 

Please spread the word, about our work.

If you have experienced the pain of living with someone who struggles with their mental ill-health, or know someone who has, please do get in touch. Β  We would love to hear from you.

We are always working at three things:

  1. 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.
  2. Raising the profile of Hammersley Homes and the work we are doing to address these problems.
  3. Raising funds.

The more people who know about us, the better!

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