CURRENT PROJECTS

Friends Of
Foston Hall

The projects that FHH are involved with are rooted in: creating opportunities for women to grow, heal, and rediscover their sense of worth. These activities reflect compassion in action – practical support paired with dignity, hope, and human connection.

Building a Sanctuary for Growth

The animal sanctuary grounds are being cleared and prepared for new planting areas, with renewed fencing and a dedicated goat compound planned. This space will soon offer women the chance to learn gardening skills and give their children a more welcoming environment during family visits. It is an area where the women work with the Parrots In Need Charity, enabling a nurturing environment and rehabilitation for birds who are in need of that extra care through no fault of their own.

Healing Through Animal Care

New animals – from small companions like gerbils to the soon to arrive two pygmy goats, along with parrots needing care – are becoming part of daily life. Caring for these animals helps women build confidence, and reduce self harm through gentle, positive interaction.

Hairdressing Days That Restore Confidence

Volunteer hairdressers are working with women in the Foston Salon, offering haircuts and support. These sessions help women learn new skills, boost self esteem, and experience the simple dignity of being cared for. Women pay a small fee for this service and one women told us that having her hair cut helped prepare her for release both physically and mentally, that it was one of the happiest days she had experienced in many years.

Community Support in Action

Volunteers from Cosy Direct, with another group of 15 arriving on 29th September – are helping with gardening and general maintenance. Their work keeps the environment uplifting and gives women the chance to join in, learn, and contribute.

Freya, the PAT Dog

Freya, is a new addition, specially trained PAT dog who is part of the support offered. Her calm presence helps women who struggle with connection find comfort, trust, and emotional grounding.

Clothing for Women in Need

The community has generously donated three van loads of clothing. These items support women who arrive with very little and ensure they have suitable clothing both during their stay and upon release.

Collect donated toys for visiting children

FFH have been collecting toys that are available on visiting days to make children feel welcome

Essential Release Bags

Women leaving the centre receive drawstring bags filled with essential toiletries, offering a small but meaningful sense of dignity and preparedness as they take their next steps.

Inspiring Role Models

Women are being introduced to role models who have overcome trauma and adversity. These stories show what’s possible – offering hope, encouragement, and a vision of a brighter future.

FHH have also been involved with the completion of the Mural at FH

FFH have held 3 volunteer days so far – these included working in the sanctuary and garden areas, and a hairdressing day!

We have more planned for this year, on 29th September a number of volunteers will come and work with FFH and the women, helping bring the garden area in front of the house to its former serenity. It will be used for prisoners, staff, families and visitors to enjoy.

Going Forward!

FFH were delighted that the work with women in Foston was recognised by the Derbyshire Lord Lieutenant Kings Award network event.

FFH works together with a number of community organisations and our sincere thanks go to them in helping to make these projects and events happen. We hope to work closer with organisations such as the WI who will visit FH to teach and share skills with the women including knitting, crocheting and cooking, things they will be able to take away and use on release.

Groups include:

Cosy Direct

Walk Ministries

Derby College

The WI

The Toy Library

The Caribbean Church

Members of FFH would be happy to give talks to explain more about our activities to any organisation that would find this of value.

We would like to thank all of the volunteers that have worked with us to enable these projects to develop. This includes those who have supported us financially by generously making donations and those making donations of clothing and toys.

Please do get in touch if you would like further information about the activities of FHH or would like to get involved. FHH is in the process of applying for charitable status. Like all charities, we are reliant on the good will of volunteers and donations. If you have any ideas about how we could fund raise or indeed could offer donations please do contact us.

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Please do get in touch if you would like further information about the activities of FHH or would like to get involved.

Friends Of Foston Hall