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| left-right: Steve Anderton and Jo Kane from HOPe and Beatons New Milton Tearooms Owner Angela Thorn |
Helping Older People New Forest (known as HOPe) is to be Beatons New
Milton’s first charity of the year. Well and truly rooted locally, founded by
and serving the local community, it aims to support its older local residents −
especially those feeling isolated and vulnerable.
How? Through all kinds of support – advisory, practical and emotional.
Its latest new initiative is a Befriending Scheme which Beatons are
particularly keen to support. We regularly see the benefits of customers being
encouraged to share a table and then watch friendly connections being made.
When Beatons' latest Tearooms Owner, Angela, discovered HOPe New Forest she
immediately spotted a match with the part of Beatons’ Constitution which reads:
‘We value
individuals whether customer, franchisee, supplier or any other stakeholder
because unless people are heard and nourished they feel disconnected and
alone’.
HOPe’s aim is to be there for people when they
feel lost and don’t know where to go. Their latest initiative − a Befriending
service − involves volunteers visiting people who feel isolated and who would welcome
a cup of tea and a chat. We know just
how important that is! Heading up this project is Steve Anderton who explained,
‘There’s something very special about
looking forward to a friendly visit and a nice chat, especially when you don’t
have anyone else. That’s what we provide, and it makes a real difference to
people’s lives.’
HOPe was founded in 2011 by two likeminded
ladies and funded by a legacy. Since they started, the charity has secured
nearly half a million pounds for local people which is spent locally. I had the
pleasure of delivering the good news
that HOPe had been chosen as Beatons New Milton’s Charity of the Year to Jo
Kane, their Manager.
She
was delighted and said, ‘we’re very
grateful to have been chosen. We would like to thank Beatons New Milton for
their promise of support and look forward to enjoying a decent cup of tea and
piece of cake!’ HOPe has a great shop only a stone’s throw away from where
Beatons New Milton will be based, in Station Road. They are always looking for
support and volunteers and you read more about them here.
How we
help: Each Beatons has their own Charity
of the Year and has events to support it.
Our main contribution is giving 50p from every sale of The Charlton
(soda) and our Community Chai Latte throughout the year.
Come
and Support! Our first Beatons New Milton charity event will be our Open House, on Bank Holiday Monday, 7th May 2018. You’ll have a chance to
meet members of the HOPe team, enjoy a free cup of our Beatons New Milton House
tea – ‘Jasmine Blossom’ – and sample some of our home-baked cakes and scones.
More importantly, there’ll be a little entertainment, a celebrity guest and a
great opportunity to start raising more funds for HOPe!
Watch out
for posters around the town, pop into Beatons’ New Milton when it opens around Easter, or come
back here for full details soon!
Why did we choose New Milton as a great location for a Beatons? Read more here.
Why did we choose New Milton as a great location for a Beatons? Read more here.
Liz Darcy Jones
Non−Executive
Director & House Poet