VOICES OF HOPE SECURES BUILDING FUNDS TO REFORM SPACE

We've announced Voices of Hope, a community-based charity providing holistic support for women who have been subject to trauma, as a runner-up in our 2026 Community Heroes initiative, recognising the charity’s dedication and positive impact on the lives of women in Southwest London and Surrey.

The charity was selected by a panel including celebrity judge and TV tradesperson, Rob Bent. The campaign was relaunched this year, after research found that half of Brits (48%) say community spaces have disappeared in their neighbourhoods.

Voices of Hope supports women and children in Southwest London and Surrey who have been affected by hardship, trauma and poor wellbeing. Through its dedicated Women’s Hubs, they provide support for women who have suffered domestic abuse, violence and poor mental health, with the aim to help them rebuild and move towards more hopeful futures.

Thanks to the Community Heroes win, Voices of Hope has secured £1,000 to spend in its local store, Selco Kingston. The organisation has recently been offered a new space to call home and plan to use the store credit to purchase materials to create a welcoming space for various recovery activities.

Sarah Clay, Chief Executive at Voices of Hope UK, said: “We're incredibly excited to be moving into Kingston Library, which will become the new home for our Kingston offices and a welcoming community base for Voices of Hope, giving us the opportunity to open this dedicated space in the heart of the town for women who have experienced trauma and extreme hardship.

“Selco's award has come at the perfect time as it will help us purchase paint, decorating materials, shelving and storage to create a highly relational and confidential space for advocacy, emotional support, counselling and recovery activities. We are incredibly grateful to Selco for helping us create a beautiful place where women can begin to rebuild their lives."

Now in its sixth year – and with a bigger prize fund than ever before at £62,000 – the Selco Community Heroes initiative is designed to benefit small community projects that are building brighter futures for their local areas.

Simon Humpage, Head of Multichannel Marketing at Selco Builders Warehouse, said: “Voices of Hope are providing such an important support network for women who have been subject to abuse and trauma. At Selco, we’re proud to support their work and hope our contribution towards materials will transform the space into a safe and welcoming environment and allow them to continue to carry out their impactful work.”

Local charities and community projects are encouraged to find out more about Community Heroes and apply online.