The idea
oin us in creating a serene, solar-powered beach hut in Herne Bay, designed as a wellbeing sanctuary for everyone. This space will offer a calm retreat by the sea, where individuals can access one-to-one wellbeing support, engage in small group workshops, and participate in community connection events. Focused on inclusivity, the hut will be a safe haven for breathing, talking, and resetting, with the healing power of the sea and nature grounding those who visit. The beach hut will also be available to hire free of charge to struggling families who are experiencing poverty and to a range of other community groups.
This isn’t just a hut.
It’s:
• A mental health early-intervention space
• A support hub for isolated individuals
• A safe harbour for those who need it most
A space to try something new
• A treat for families in poverty
Together, we can make wellbeing and community support accessible to all.
What we'll deliver
- Deliver 40 wellbeing group meetings including womens wellbeing sessions and mens mental health sessions
- A solar powered spaceto power lights,electronic devices and hot drinks evices and hot drinks and refreshments
- A wheelchair ramp to ensure access
- 50 one to one counselling and support sessions
- 50 days free hire to other local wellbeing groups or charities
- 20 days free hire and refreshments package to strugling families
Why it's a great idea
This project will bring the following benefits:
Improved health and wellbeing by offering free access to the hut for struggling families and community groups, supporting those in poverty.
• Promotes inclusivity by providing a safe and supportive space for individuals from all backgrounds.
• Encourages a stronger sense of community through shared experiences and connection events.
• Offers a sustainable, eco-friendly sanctuary powered by renewable solar energy.
• Provides an opportunity for workshops on a variety of topics including arts and crafts which will help develop new skills and help improve mental health and wellbeing.
• Helps reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness through structured social gatherings.
• Supports long-term community resilience by fostering connection and mutual aid.
Steps to get it done
- purchase and install temporary solar panel and battery system to provide a temporary electricity supply to the hut
- purchase and supply temporary ramp to enable disabled access to the hut
- Identify and contract with a freelance counsellor
- Set up a community booking system
- Paint and decorate the hut and design and install signage
- Draw up a risk assessment system for each activity and each external community use
- Purchase beach hut furniture and storage systems
- Develop a core offering of groups and activities
- Promote free hire of hut to external community groups
- Promote mental health and well being actives via networks and social media
- Buy wellbeing equipment and materials quarterly
- Train Volunteers and group leaders
- Developing a system for measuring the impact of each activity and support session
- Drawing up health and safety and safeguarding policies relating to the beach hut
- Launch Party
