Thank you for helping us celebrate 40 years of providing vital support services across Derbyshire with a powerful and heart warming community-led art installation, The Forest of Hope is now complete: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17UCoL5Kq8/
To mark this milestone, supporters from across the county have come together to create over 2,521 beautiful handmade leaves, each representing messages of hope, solidarity, and remembrance. The leaves have become 20 handcrafted trees, created by CK Rail and the Derbyshire County Council young people volunteers, The Unstoppables. The trees symbolise four decades of commitment to survivors of domestic abuse. The installation is on public display at Chesterfield Library from 25th November to 10th December.
The Forest of Hope Art Installation has been scheduled to align with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence — a global campaign to end Violence Against Women and Girls (16 days of Activism yearly theme) and the White Ribbon campaign White Ribbon UK.
2,521 hands and hearts
There are so many people to thank and celebrate, as 2,521 children and adults created a leaf that is meaningful to them. The project has seen an incredible outpouring of creativity and compassion from a wide range of supporters, including survivors, local schools, Girl Guides, art groups, foodbanks, after-school clubs, Chesterfield Hospital, Foston Prison, youth groups, WORTH, WI groups and many more charities and community groups. Your contributions have transformed The Forest of Hope into a vibrant and meaningful tribute to resilience and community spirit. Our thanks go to every person who created a leaf!
We are stronger together
Helen Onion, Partnership Lead said:
“The Forest of Hope is more than just an art project — it’s a symbol of healing, strength, and community. The Forest has created such an important talking point. We know domestic abuse thrives in silence, creating this art piece has not only brought communities and supporters together; it has provided opportunities to talk about domestic abuse and where to get help. We’re deeply moved by the support we’ve received and proud to stand alongside so many local groups in marking this important anniversary.”
If you have been moved by this campaign and would like to show our community that you care, then please donate to support our services:
https://theelmfoundation.enthuse.com/cf/40-leaves-for-40-trees
