Hastoe's first Community Grant of the 2024-25 financial year was awarded to Birchwood Primary School in Martlesham Heath, Suffolk, to help with the creation of a new, standalone 'safe space' for children on the school grounds.
The school was granted £250 towards its 'Zen Den' project in April 2024, with the official opening held on 21 October 2024.
The 'Zen Den' is a standalone building on the school premises, designed to provide a welcoming, accessible, calm, safe space for the children, where they can be supported by trained adults. Hastoe was able to grant the funding as the school is located near to 47 new affordable homes under development in Martlesham. Some of the pupils at the school are likely to be future Hastoe residents at the new development and will benefit from the newly completed project.
The Zen Den will provide the much-needed space that the school building, presently, does not allow for.
Emily Todd, Hastoe's Housing Officer in Suffolk, attended the official opening and said:
It was great to attend the opening and see the 'Zen Den' in person. The space will give all children a place where they can feel safe outside of the classroom. It will be used for group work and has many sensory items for children with additional needs. I hope it will benefit the current and future generations of Hastoe residents in Martlesham.
Do you have a local project in need of funding? Our Community Grant fund offers up to £250 to help deliver community-based projects that will benefit Hastoe residents and their local communities.
