Combined March 26 jw v2 - Flipbook - Page 38
Hayling Herald Community update
Brave the cold with a sleepout
DO you dare to sleep outside in freezing temperatures
for a good cause?
You would be very welcome to join all those at Fishery
Creek Touring Park who will be doing just that to support veteran homelessness.
In 2025, participants raised £1,600 for The Great Tommy Sleepout with all the funds going to support homeless veterans.
Geoffrey Harris Deans said: ‘Last year we braved a
freezing 2C night to raise awareness of the challenges
veterans face every single day.
‘Our group included everyone from brand-new armed
forces recruits to veterans, non-veterans, and even
great-grandparents in their 70s — all united for one purpose. We’re incredibly proud to have raised over £1,600.
‘Let’s make 2026 even bigger. Come join us, cheer us
on, or help spread the word. Every bit of support matters.’
It’s taking place on Saturday, March 21st. If you’d like to
take part, register by visiting The Great Tommy Sleepout
2026 on Facebook.
If you’d like to donate towards the event, visit justgiving.com and search for The Great Tommy Sleepout 2026. Last year’s brave sleepers at Fishery Creek who raised lots of money for homeless veterans
New accomodation for the
borough’s homeless residents
HAVANT Borough Council has
been granted planning consent to
refurbish 54 Stockheath Road, the
former Fawnhope Rest Home, to
provide much-needed temporary
accommodation for local people in
housing need.
The property was purchased by
the council in 2024 to convert into
self-contained accommodation for
local people facing housing difficulties to remain within the borough
while they await a permanent home.
Temporary accommodation costs
place a significant financial burden
on councils across the country,
including Havant. When suitable
accommodation is not available locally, councils can be forced to rely
on expensive short-term options,
sometimes outside the borough.
This can lead to increased costs
and unnecessary disruption for
local residents.
By investing in council-owned
temporary accommodation, Ha38
vant Borough Council will reduce
its reliance on costly emergency
placements and make better use of
public funds.
Reducing these pressures will allow savings to be redirected towards
other essential frontline services
that benefit residents across the borough.
Refurbishment works at 54 Stockheath Road are expected to begin in
the coming months. Once complete,
the accommodation will provide
safe, high-quality, and well-managed temporary homes that offer
stability and dignity to local households during a difficult period.
The project forms part of the
council’s wider strategy to increase
the supply of temporary accommodation for local people, reduce
pressure on emergency housing
placements, and ensure residents
with a connection to Havant can
remain within the community they
know and rely on.
Good Friday Play
By Geoff Hall
WHAT’S Good Friday all about?
On Good Friday, April 3rd at
11.30am a group of actors from
Hayling Island will present a short
story about the last few days Jesus
spent with his friends before he was
crucified, died and was buried.
After two days he astonished people and came back to life.
If the weather is fine the play will
be performed in the car park of the
United Reformed Church at the corner of Elm Grove and Hollow Lane.
If the weather is cold or wet, the
play will take place in the Main Hall
that is next to the church.
There is a public car park just
around the corner from the church
in Hollow Lane.
The play will begin at 11.30am
and after it has ended at midday
we expect that free refreshments
and perhaps hot-cross buns will be
served in the Main Hall, next to the
church.
Please come and invite your
friends to see our short drama. It
would be a good way to start your
Easter holiday.
