Words by Smiley Team
An inspirational charity CEO who walked the coast of the Isle of Wight raising nearly £70,000 has used the funds raised to set up a much-needed service in the Lymington and New Forest area.
Louise Hallett, from Lymington, founded Hammersley Homes in 2018 to provide lifelong homes for those living with enduring mental illness. In July 2021, she took to the coast with the aim of launching a new programme in the community with the money she raised.
And, she did it.
With the fundraised money, Louise launched a new Outreach Programme, where trained volunteers visit vulnerable adults in their own homes offering friendship, and helping them with any tasks they may be struggling with.
This could be anything, such as shopping, cooking, helping with incoming mail, online access, budgeting, benefits, liaising with care workers, sorting, and clearing, engaging in social activities and hobbies, or simply going out for a walk or a drive – anything to help them live their best life, enriching their lives with kindness and compassion.
(Read more about how the ‘hub of hope’ helps people’s mental health)
“Through the money kindly donated we have been able to employ somebody to train, manage and coordinate our team of volunteers to go out and help those in need with day-to-day tasks such as budgeting, shopping or simply having somebody to listen," says Louise.
“Many people living with enduring mental illness become very isolated and feel lonely, so just having somebody to turn to can be a great comfort. We believe that kindness and compassion go a long way and make a real difference, and I would like to thank everybody who donated to our walk for enabling us to make this a reality.”
As well as giving vulnerable individuals security, comfort and friendship, the charity’s goals are to bring relief to their families, friends, and carers, and to reduce financial pressures on the NHS, the police and prison system, and on local authorities
(Read more about five unique ways to fundraise for mental health charities)
They are currently raising funds to open their first supported home in Hampshire, with a longer-term aim of developing this flexible model nationwide. The houses will be managed on a 24/7 basis to support residents’ diverse needs – from treatment compliance to help with cooking, cleaning, and laundry.
They will also be open during the day to other people with mental health problems enabling beneficial interaction, friendship, and ongoing activities: art, games, gardening, and outings.
Find out more about Hammersley Homes on its website hammersleyhomes.org or donate to help them continue their services.
