Open Hands

Open Hands works with The River Centre Church in reaching out to low income families and individuals, principally in the Tonbridge, Edenbridge and Tunbridge Wells areas.

Through contacts in the community such as health visitors, social workers, the Youth Offending Team, housing associations, Connexions, the YMCA and others, Open Hands works to provide items probably unaffordable to our client group.  Recently we have provided new cookers, beds, home starter packs, new baby essentials packs, supermarket vouchers, school uniforms and much more.  Each gift is accompanied by a card printed with the following:

“I know the plans I have for you, plans to take care of you, not to abandon you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”  The Bible, Jeremiah 29:11

with love, Open Hands

We believe that by supporting those in need, they are empowered to rebuild their lives, giving them a hope and a future.

In 2009 we invited Open Hands clients to a summer Hope party, where they could choose a free manicure, a haircut, or massage, lunch, and for the children, a play on a bouncy castle and face painting.  We also held Easter and Christmas parties where there were additional creative activities as well as a chance to socialise with others.

Jointly with the YWCA, we run basic cooking courses for young single mums, at The River Centre. These 3 to 5 day courses have encouraged those attending to develop basic cooking skills, and learn about healthy eating for themselves and their families.  The confidence gained from these courses has enabled some young women to go on to study catering at West Kent College.

Open Hands provided 320 Christmas hampers in 2009 to low income single parents, larger families, the elderly, the homeless and those who reside in hostels.  Hamper contents included festive food, crackers and tinsel.

‘I would just like to say a very big thank you for the home starter pack, you all have helped me to turn my life around, and to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel.’ DA

‘I just wanted you to know how much we appreciate all your generosity.  In the current economic climate it has been very hard to find agencies who can help some of our desperate families, but you have always been a constant support.  I have been able to approach you several times this year, and you have helped some of the families I support.  I wish I could share with you the look on their faces when you have provided a much needed item of furniture or supermarket vouchers etc, people are so grateful, and for some it is the first time anyone has cared enough to do something without expecting anything in return.  You continue to be caring, compassionate and a very real help to the community.’ AM

Open Hands (part of Harvester Trust) working with The River Centre Church.

Registered Charity No. 1072895.