Stockton Hope

Stockton Hope is a project working on the Hardwick housing estate in Stockton on Tees. It was established in 2007 by Stockton North Churches Together to work specifically with the local community to improve the lives of residents particularly those experiencing poverty and poor health including poor mental health. 

Regular activities which took place pre-pandemic were the Kids Club for age 5 to 11 which meets weekly in term time. Parents/carers help with running the group and with the kids enjoy activities together The weekly Friday Friendship Group (FFG) was set up for people who are lonely ,isolated and experiencing poor mental health and is a welcoming , friendly drop in for all. The weekly Trussell Trust Food Bank is a much needed resource for those in food poverty.

We want to start the FFG group again when able, as a café style drop in, with Fare Share food, where people can meet, share and get support over a friendly cuppa.  

Alongside this we plan to extend our existing raised flower bed to create an area for people to enjoy, growing flowers, vegetables etc providing a real benefit for mental health.  The raised bed would also be available for use by the Kids Club when it re opens. Families will be able to learn about gardening and use the produce as part of healthy cooking & economical meals for families. Parents/carers helping running the group, together with children as a family, will benefit.