Hastings artist Tara Reddy, founder of charity Arts on Prescription and community venture Arts in the Park, has been invited to a select garden party at Buckingham Palace this week in recognition of the charity’s work.

“It’s quite an honour,” says Tara. “We were nominated by the Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, who has been incredibly supportive of us over the years, and which was surprising enough. Then we heard we’d been selected and received a letter and invitation from the Lord Chamberlain.”

The event takes place at 3pm in the gardens of the Palace on 8 May and Tara has been told that the King is scheduled to make an appearance and do a meet-and-greet at around 4pm. “I’ll probably be in the loo,” she laughs, “or have a cucumber sandwich stuck in my teeth.”

The dress code has proved to be a bit of a challenge. “I’m usually a jeans and jumper girl,” says Tara, “so it’s been a bit tricky trying to find something suitable. I’ve got an old Laura Ashley dress suit with a wild flower print that I wore to my son’s christening, so I’m planning to wear that; and Bevali Francis from Frock Up Friday is rustling up a matching fascinator for me. I’m also taking a really big umbrella in case it rains, because it’s strictly no wellies!”

Arts on Prescription was established in 2019 and is made up of a team of wellbeing practitioners, therapists, artists, makers, creatives, performers and musicians from a diverse range of backgrounds who all believe passionately in the power of the arts to improve health and wellbeing. Their Art in the Park project saw the former bowling green and pavilion in Alexandra Park transformed into a new arts centre offering activities and therapy for people of all ages, and they run a range of workshops for people of all abilities.

Tara says she’s delighted that the charity’s work is being recognised in this way and hopes it will raise their profile, particularly with funders. “It reflects the dedication of the whole team who make things happen in Hastings,” she says, “and it’ll be an amazing opportunity to network and meet people. You’ll find me near the cake stand!”

Find out more at artsonprescription.org/

Emmaus attends royal garden party

On 11 May, Emmaus Hastings & Rother trustee David Cooper attended a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. Every year, three garden parties are given at Buckingham Palace and one at Holyrood to acknowledge the positive contributions the guests have made to their communities

across the United Kingdom. The parties have been cancelled for the last two years due to Covid-19, but now return, although without the Queen in attendance.

Emmaus Hastings & Rother provides a home and meaningful work experience for up to 23 people who have been homeless. Residents have a home for as long as they need it, giving them the opportunity to regain stability in their lives and eventually move beyond homelessness. Emmaus Hastings & Rother is one of 29 Emmaus communities around the UK.

David said: “It was an honour to represent Emmaus at the event, and, despite the rain we had a fascinating day. I am very proud to be a part of the international Emmaus movement, and look forward to many more years of supporting Emmaus in the UK.”

Household Support Fund open for applications

Vulnerable households in Hastings can now apply for the Household Support Fund. The funding has been provided to Hastings Borough Council through East Sussex County Council from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Half of the additional funding will be spent supporting pensioners, and the other half will be allocated to working age households.

Claimants must be over 18, living in Hastings borough, and claiming one of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit, Council Tax Reduction, Working Tax Credit, Income Support, Income Based Job-Seeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.

There are two schemes within the fund – support for energy and water costs of up to £50 per household, and for food of £30 per child and £50 per adult in the household.

Cllr Simon Willis (Lab), lead councillor for finance in the new Labour Green Cabinet, said: “We are pleased this scheme has been reopened to help some of our most vulnerable households. The increased cost of living is having a huge impact on many people who were already struggling to make ends meet.

“I’d encourage anyone who has friends or family who may be eligible for this scheme to let them know about it. If you’re able to help them apply, please do so as soon as possible, the limited funding will be allocated quickly.”

• Application form: www.hastings.gov.uk/benefits/hsf