We were delighted to welcome Liz Barratt OBE DL, Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire and Principal of ATTFE College, who officially launched the hub. “The most magical thing about today is seeing the Heart of the Hill come together. Through Adam’s vision and everyone’s generosity this space has been completely renovated and will now be at the heart of a wonderful community so that together they can grow further” said Liz Barratt.

We were also incredibly pleased to host an enthusiastic and impressive group of supporters including Cllr Andy Meakin; Andrea Stone, Ashfield District Council; Rebecca Meredith, CEO of Transform Trust; Mike Butler, Chair of Trustees - and many representatives from the community organisations involved including Kirkby Library and The Family Hub. Long-standing champion of the school, and past pupil, Karl Simpson represented Transform Trust’s Board of Governors.

Cllr Andy Meakin was so enthusiastic, full of praise for the project, and said “What a tremendous place this is. What a transformation. The most amazing thing about this is that we’ve only opened today and we’re already full four out of five days each week. People, please use it!”

The Heart of the Hill will be a welcoming and thriving space offering useful and valuable community services including a Citizens’ Advice point – in collaboration with Ashfield District Council.  Our families will have access to a wonderful programme of practical support including stay and play sessions, warm space provision, community grocery initiatives, parent coffee mornings, family learning, advice services, wellbeing activities and regular sessions delivered by partner organisations.

Throughout its development, support for the project has continued to grow. Organisations including The Family Hub, ATTFE College, Community Grocery, Autism East Midlands, THRIVE, local faith groups and other community partners have pledged their support. They recognise the strength of Abbey Hill’s relationships with local families and the opportunities this trusted setting will provide. It will be available for the whole community through school and via the partnerships and local organisations.

Mr Jevons-Newman said “The vision for The Heart of the Hill started with an unused kitchen – a large area that is now a welcoming space for our families, where community organisations can work together and where support is available in familiar, trusted surroundings. We know engagement and confidence will be stronger when our families don’t have to navigate multiple locations and appointment systems to find what they need. Our community hub has grown directly from that understanding.”

The Heart of the Hill closely reflects the ambitions of Ashfield District Council's ‘Pride in Place’ programme by transforming an underused space into a lasting community asset that strengthens local partnerships, increases access and creates opportunities for generations to come.

The meaning behind the project name was explained in the children’s speeches at the launch. “We chose the name, Heart of the Hill, for a reason. It’s a name which was suggested and chosen by the children. And that’s such an important part about Abbey Hill. Our school really is about the children. Abbeyhillians. This space sits right at the heart of our school and at the heart of our community too” said Ellie-Jai (Year 6), the school’s parliament Prime Minister. Maddison (Year 6) and Shiloh (Year 5), other parliament representatives, also addressed the audience with confidence and pride.

Mr Jevons-Newman concluded, “To see The Heart on the Hill become a reality after 4 years of planning, fundraising, and collaboration with Ashfield District Council is an absolute dream. It’s something I so deeply, deeply believe in. We will be helping our school community with both grassroots practical support but also emotionally through this warm and welcoming environment, available to our whole school community and beyond.”

From this...                                                                         To this!