Education Futures Trust – Health and Well-Being Hub

The Education Futures Trust aims to improve the life chances of children, families and vulnerable adults in Hastings and the surrounding area by helping them realise their potential and overcome the social, emotional and educational barriers to achievement. Focusing on the needs of the most disadvantaged and excluded residents, they build resilience to enable sustainable change. They work holistically, providing learning through forest schools, conservation work, The Shore Academy, sport, catering experiences and their community café.

Education Futures Trust was established as a charity in 2012 after local school heads and governors chose to create an independent organisation to:

• ​sustain partnership working
• deliver services identified as essential to families
• draw down additional funding to benefit schools and families
• provide additional commissioned services for schools
• develop new services

TG Escapes were commissioned to design and build a modular, timber frame Health and Well-Being Hub at The Firs. The hub has been created to provide a welcoming space to benefit the local community. The aim is to offer on-site educational facilities that can be used by individuals, organisations, clubs and students all year round to support healthy choices. The dedicated Forest School area is regularly used for adult learning courses and children’s activities, with the wider site used for holiday and after-school clubs, events and training. The building is net-zero in operation with an EPC of -2.

Why did you want to develop additional space?
To deliver additional skills and adult learning

What made TG Escapes stand out from other providers?
Quality of the product and professional approach

What are the biggest benefits you have noticed for the pupils and staff?
Pride in the space and a desire to learn in the classroom

How or where did you first hear about TG Escapes?
Internet search

Photos feature Chief Exec Carole Dixon and Sally-Ann Hart Conservative MP for Hastings and Rye