Art Project at The Church of St. Peter & St. Paul in Abington Park.
The ‘Tree of Hope’ is an interactive art project, designed to unite the community in their compassion towards individuals facing hardship. The bare wooden tree contains branches ready to hang thousands of ‘leaves’, members of the public are encouraged to write short messages of hope and compassion to people who might be struggling at this time.
This might be an individual you know, someone special no longer in your life, or simply a demonstration of your compassion to those facing difficulties. The Tree of Hope is a partnership project between the Hope Centre and the Church of St. Peter & St. Paul, Abington Park, and will remain in the grounds until Harvest.
Take part and watch the tree evolve through the seasons!
The ‘Tree of Hope’ has been visualised by members of our woodworking group and supported by builder and designer Bob Keal from Bob’s Barn Creations, group members are developing the project from design to installation. Our woodworking group are learning essential skills such as design, project planning, health and safety and installation, helping give them new opportunities and skills.
Stories of Hope
The installation also includes a story trail around the church garden. Follow the stories of three individuals who have faced adversity and with the right support, have rebuilt their lives.
The art project is a visual and interactive display of the power of community and the value of compassion.
How can you get involved?
Head down to The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, collect a leaf from the post box at the church gate, write a short message on the leaf and post it in the box. Revisit the tree to find your leaf on the branches of the tree!
The reveal of the tree will take place at the Mothering Sunday Service on Sunday 30th March 2025. The Hope Centre will also be visiting at key events throughout the year as well as actively maintaining the tree. Come and find us at the Summer Fete on Saturday 5th July!
Kevin’s Story:
Kevin became homeless after a relationship breakdown. To hear more about his story, click the link below.
Paul’s Story:
Paul became homeless at the age of 15 due to problems at home. The support that The Hope Centre gave him helped him to get back on his feet and he now volunteers at our woodwork group. He has played an integral part in the construction of the Tree of Hope.
Pete’s Story:
Our final story was given by Pete. Pete found himself homeless at the age of 66 in the harsh winter. Pete accessed our Winter Night Shelter and was eventually supported in getting housed.
Regular Donations:
Could you help us by making a small regular donation each month to help us maintain our services? Just £12 a month could help us continue our work with individuals following homelessness to help them rebuild their lives.
To make a regular donation, click on the link below, choose the amount you with to donate, and select the donation frequency to ‘monthly’.
How to Get Help:
If you, or someone you know is rough-sleeping, please register for support at the Day Centre at Oasis House.
Hope Centre,
Oasis House,
35 Campbell St,
Northampton
NN1 3DS
