Community News in Brief
Walk for Al-Mawasi
Hastings has had links with Al-Mawasi, a fishing community in Gaza, for several years. Last year, Hastings Borough Council agreed to make it one of our Friendship Link communities abroad.
Every August since 2024, the Friends of Al-Mawasi group in Hastings have organised a walk to celebrate our link, make it more widely known and raise much-needed funds for the town – which has become a shelter for refugees fleeing from the Israeli Army’s attacks all over Gaza.
This year the walk took place on the morning of 9 August. Supporters walked from the Stade along the seafront to Bexhill’s De La Warr Pavilion.
Donate via the online fundraiser at chuffed.org/… /184544-hastings-walk-for-al-mawasi
Sunrise Walk for the Samaritans
Volunteers for Hastings & Rother Samaritans will be walking five kilometres along the seafront on Sunday 11 October to raise vital funds for the organisation and support those who are struggling with their mental health.
They invite the public to gather at Rock‑A‑Nore carpark at dawn to show their solidarity and join in. They say: “By taking part, you’ll be helping our amazing volunteers continue to be there for anyone finding life tough. It’s a beautiful way to show solidarity, support your own wellbeing, and make a real difference.”
Registrations are now open – register or donate at dawnwalk.samaritans.org/branches/hastings-and-rother
Emergency Briefing & Community Resilience Network
Are your food and energy bills too high? Do you think Hastings is prepared for heatwaves and floods? Hastings People’s Emergency Briefing is part of a UK public information campaign featuring a 50-minute film presented by Chris Packham. The film outlines the risks of the climate and nature crisis and the need to build local community resilience and encourage coordinated engagement with local decision-makers and MPs.
The first sold-out screening took place at The Observer Building on 1 August and was followed by group discussions focused on the challenges faced by people in Hastings and St Leonards.
There are two other free screenings in Hastings: at the Electric Palace Cinema, on Thurs 27 August and Sat 29 August, both at 11am. These are hosted and supported by the Quaker Society.
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