Wow! It has certainly been a busy few months here at Hammersley Homes. Since our last newsletter, we have taken the people we support to activity days, been a part of some incredible events and, as always, been doing a lot of successful fundraising.
Thanks to you, we have been able to make a real difference to many people’s lives, and we are forever grateful to you all.
So without further ado, let’s take a look at what we have been up to in more detail, and provide you with our latest news!
As well as support through our Outreach Programme, we provide our clients with the opportunity to come along to an activity day once a month.
Activity days not only provide clients we support with the opportunity to get out and about within the community, or to try something that may be new to them; it is a way of connecting with others who also receive support from us and who may also be feeling the same way.
On 14 August, some of our clients went to Project Manna in Fordingbridge, where they took part in a number of outdoor activities. These included den making, building a campfire, making bread on a stick and feeding the resident goats.
Main achievements from clients on the day include: attending for the first time since joining our support services; taking a bus on their own for part of the journey; and, despite struggling with germaphobia, petting the goats and collecting wick for the bundles being used to protect the river-bed.
A group of clients set sail for the day for off-shore sailboat training with the Rona Sailing Project on 18 September.
Not only was it a fantastic day out, it also provided those who went with a sense of responsibility, resourcefulness and teamwork, which they can then take back ashore to help them with their everyday lives.
Capturing the last of the warm weather, on 16 October some of our clients took a ride off-road in the New Forest with Pedall, a local charity who we are collaborating with increasingly.
A fun and unique way of getting amongst the trees for all abilities, it provided everybody with an afternoon of being together and sharing experiences with newfound confidence.
Some of our incredible supporters have been busy over the past few months by challenging themselves to test their limits in different ways, to raise vital funds for us.
We cannot express our thanks enough to people who support us, in any way, shape or form. It is truly invaluable to us. We would like to say a very special thanks to these special people, who we feel have really gone above and beyond for us recently…
The highlight of our summer was a Weekend of Music that our loyal Ambassador, Amanda Mann, generously hosted for us in the grounds of her beautiful home in Lymington.
A truly magical and inspiring time was had by all on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September, as fans of the Penguin Cafe Orchestra and Opera gathered together for an unforgettable experience. We would like to say a huge thank you to everybody who was involved over the weekend, and those who helped us to raise over £56,000!
One of the guests sent us this lovely message – “The event was so, so lovely. I shall always treasure the memory. A truly idyllic afternoon….What a beautiful location! Thank you so much!!”
The passion for Hammersley Homes and the vital work we do to support vulnerable adults was powerfully expressed in a poignant speech by John Caulcutt. He captivated audiences on both evenings, eloquently highlighting the importance of our mission and inspiring even greater generosity. He left us with this message to reflect on –
“Remember that it’s not the number of breaths in life you take, but the number of times life takes your breath away, and the mission of Hammersley Homes does just that”
Couldn’t make it this time? Don’t worry – you haven’t missed your chance! After the terrific success of this year’s Weekend of Music, we’re thrilled to announce that it will be back next summer. Keep an eye out for more details about our 2026 event coming soon!
Below images: Amanda Mann’s stunning home and grounds, along with the Penguin Cafe Orchestra and Opera. All photo credits to Adam Lynk Photography
During the evening of 18 September, The New Forest Rotary hosted a dinner to celebrate their Golden Anniversary, and we were honoured that they invited us to collaborate with them.
Held at the Beaulieu Inn, the evening began with a heart-warming and inspirational speech by our Founding Trustee, Louise Hallett. We then celebrated Hammersley Homes’ successes in true style over a delicious three-course meal, with guest speaker Nigel Atkinson Esq., HM Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire.
Our very own Hammersley Homes volunteer, Jennifer Maxwell (pictured right) completed a sunrise hike up Mount Snowdon.
Jennifer kindly donates her time each month by giving remote telephone support to clients accessing our Outreach Programme.
Also, previous member of staff within our Outreach Programme Team, Vicky Marley and her friend Kath Conniff (also pictured right) raised over £1,300 for us! They pedalled away for 55 miles in the London to Brighton Cycle Ride.
Alex Loader generously hosted a quiz evening at George Tapps in Bournemouth on Friday 19 September to raise funds for us.
And last but certainly by no means least, twin sisters, Sophia and Grace Tomlinson (pictured on the right with our Founding Trustee, Louise) and raised over £1,500! They took part in the Manchester Half Marathon, running a whopping 13.1 miles.
What tremendous achievements! We are so very proud of you all.
Thank you!!
Could YOU be our next fundraiser ?
Whether it is a run, walk or a big adventure. A bake sale, coffee morning or small event in the community…. anything goes in terms of fundraising events!
Please get in touch with us, whether you are just at an ideas stage or have something really specific in mind. We will be there for you and support you as much as is required.
Email us at info@hammersleyhomes.org
Go on… We would love to hear from you!
Other events
We joined (quite literally) thousands of others in the local community and further afield for the New Forest Show at the end of July. The theme of our stall this year was all about making use of green space and being out in nature. We had hundreds of plants generously donated by supporter Alison Bourne, which we had available in exchange of donations. In addition to this, we had Happy Stones to decorate by children and adults, to either take home or leave for others to enjoy.
We then attended Picnic in the Park at Woodside in Lymington on Sunday 3 August, whereby we got to know many new faces as well as connect with others in the local community.
Below images: Our stall at the New Forest Show (left) and a glimpse of our Happy Stones (right)
Grants
We were thrilled to receive £15,000 from Garfield Weston Foundation.
This grant will provide us with essential funding that will be put towards the core running costs of the charity, such as staff development and training, and allow us to continue our vital work.
Did you know that there are over 140 charities in the SO41 postcode alone? As a way of raising the profile of Hammersley Homes and other important local charities in the area, we are involved in some festive fun and magic in the community as part of Local Charities Together. Please come and say ‘hello’ to all of us who will be donning our Christmas spirits for the day, and check out what goodies we will have available!
Saturday 22 November
8:00am to 2:00pm
Located just outside Moore Barlow, Lymington High Street
The second is that we will be sponsoring a tree for the Christmas Tree Festival at St Thomas and All Saints. We will be joining other companies and organisations in their Winter Wonderland, and will have a tree thoughtfully decorated by the adults we support via our Outreach Programme. Do go and take a look at the display when you get the chance! It will be magical.
Thursday 27 to Saturday 29 November
10:00am to 7:00pm daily
St Thomas Church, St Thomas Street, Lymington
Lastly, we are very excited to share some wonderful news… We have been shortlisted alongside two other charities for the “Health and Wellbeing Award” in the 2025 New Forest Brilliance in Business Awards! With the ceremony taking place during the evening of Thursday 4 December, we will be in touch with you all afterwards to let you know the result.
Keep your fingers crossed for us!
Calling all athletes and endurance runners
James Cain is doing it again!!
On Saturday 28 March 2026, at the Battersea Millennium Arena, 50 runners will take on one of London’s most intense and rewarding endurance events – The ULTRACK 50 – a 50km race designed to test grit, determination, and strength.
This is more than just a race; it’s a chance to challenge yourself mentally as well as physically. If you missed out on the London Marathon, which is heavily oversubscribed, here is an alternative chance to test your limits even further.
The ULTRACK 50 is few and far between. Why? Because the 50km run will take place at the Battersea Millennium Arena using only their running track; putting not just your body to the ultimate test, but also your mind.
Test your mental strength next March by choosing to represent us on the starting line. Whether you’re a seasoned ultra-runners or ready for their first big endurance test, we need your help in order to support vulnerable adults.
We are looking for just 5 people to run for Hammersley Homes. Registration fees are just £50, and we kindly ask that you raise a minimum of £500 for the charity. It is a great alternative for any runner or athlete!
Want to find out more? Send an email to j.rustom@hammersleyhomes.org to register your interest!
This newsletter brings us the lovely Jen Rustom. Having been with us for nearly a year, we have benefitted enormously from Jen’s willingness and enthusiasm. As well as her superb administration skills, we know she has many others under her belt. We asked her to share a little more…
Can you tell us something about why you applied to work with us at Hammersley Homes? What was the appeal?
I was at a bit of a crossroads last year after being made redundant from my previous role at a child bereavement charity. The first role I came across in my job search was the position at Hammersley Homes. As soon as I clicked on the website, I knew I had to apply. There was a certain warmth and welcome that is incredibly unique. Additionally, the video I viewed on the Outreach Programme about combatting loneliness really struck a chord and made me want to be a part of the charities mission.
Can you tell us something about your previous work and experience, and its relevance to our work?
I have worked in the public and charitable sector for over 12 years now, in either support or management roles. I feel my most relevant experience is what has happened outside of work in my personal life. I struggled with my mental health a lot in my mid-20’s, where I fortunately had a number of people around to support me both professionally and personally and get better. Through this, and also training to be a qualified counsellor, I realised that not all people have support, and not all people can get ‘better’. For some it is a lifelong illness. This is partly what drew me to working for an adult mental health charity, making the switch from working with children and young people. Other than that, I have always wanted to help and support others and be a part of a close-knit team. It is important for me to have a sense of belonging, and Hammersley Homes provides that in abundance. It feels like a family and that is incredibly rare and special.
What have you learned most about, since joining us? What skills do you feel you have acquired?
I feel like the past (almost) year has flown by in the blink of an eye. Looking back to when I first joined, I think I felt that I could come in to my role, shuffle things around in order to support people and almost act like a ‘fixer’ from an administrative point of view. But ultimately what has happened, is the charity and people I am fortunate to call colleagues have helped fix me. I have been able to re-discover what I really enjoy in a work sense. By doing so, I have re-ignited my passion for organising and being a part of events. I have been able to fully embrace my creative side, and I have loved watching all of my hard work quite literally come to life. My time at Hammersley Homes so far has been incredible and I can’t wait to see what the future brings, not just for me but the charity as a whole.
… or just send us an old fashioned email if you want to say “hello'”.
All links are below…
Calling all Black Friday and Christmas Shoppers…
Before you start adding items to your baskets with thousands of retailers online during this busy season, 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 Online is free and easy – click here to register and get going!!
Support us 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
Skip the post box this Christmas and send thoughtful e-cards instead!
With DontSendMeACard, you can visit our online portal and choose from a beautiful selection of e-cards created by our talented graphic designers and support a good cause.