Inspiring Community Leaders: The Legacy of Hampton & Hampton Hill Voluntary Care

In the heart of Hampton and Hampton Hill, a small but vibrant community, there exists a remarkable legacy that has thrived for decades. This legacy is the Hampton & Hampton Hill Voluntary Care (H&HHVC), a testament to the enduring spirit of individuals who saw a need and took it upon themselves to make a difference. Here, we celebrate the people who ignited the spark of compassion and community service, leaving behind an enduring legacy. Moreover, we invite you to consider how you could be the next person to make a difference in your community.

Our Founders:
The story of H&HHVC begins with a group of passionate and dedicated individuals who recognised the challenges faced by their neighbours, particularly the elderly and vulnerable. These compassionate souls, whose names we cherish and honour, came together to establish the organisation in the early 1970s. Their vision was clear: to create a support network that would provide essential services, companionship and kindness to those in need.

Their Achievements:
The founders of H&HHVC were visionaries who worked tirelessly to bring their dream to life. They initiated numerous programs and services that have made a profound impact on the community:

Transportation Services: Recognising the need for accessible transportation, H&HHVC launched a volunteer-driven transport service to ensure that seniors and individuals with mobility challenges could attend appointments, social gatherings, and community events. Over the years this developed into a partnership working with Richmond and Kingston Accessible Transport CT with the addition of three accessible minibuses serving the community.
Befriending Programs: Loneliness and isolation can be daunting for many, especially older people. H&HHVC established befriending programs that paired volunteers with local residents in need of companionship, offering not only practical assistance but also emotional support.
Community Outreach: H&HHVC has been at the forefront of community outreach, connecting with local organisations and individuals to address emerging needs. From food drives to emergency assistance, our outreach efforts have touched countless lives.
Greenwood Community Centre: H&HHVC took on a lease from Hampton Fund in the early 1990’s to run the newly developed Centre in Hampton Hill. Acting as a base for H&HHVC operations it also became a well loved hub for the community offering a home for a wide range of community activities and low cost room and hall hire for many small groups and community organisations.
Legacy of Volunteerism: The founders instilled a strong sense of volunteerism in the community, crating a sense of good citizenship. Today, countless individuals, young and old, continue to contribute their time and energy to H&HHVC, keeping the legacy alive.

The Enduring Legacy:
Decades have passed, but the legacy of H&HHVC continues to shine brightly in Hampton and Hampton Hill. The organisation has expanded its reach and services, touching the lives of thousands. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision of compassion and service. We have set ourselves the goal of increasing our reach into the community and supporting more people.

You Could Be the Next Difference Maker:
As you learn about the inspiring individuals behind H&HHVC, we invite you to consider how you, too, can make a difference in our community. The story of H&HHVC is a powerful reminder that change starts with a single idea and the determination to see it through.

Gathering Like-minded Individuals: Just as the founders of H&HHVC came together, we are seeking out individuals who share the passion for community service. Collaborative efforts often yield the most impactful results.

You could be the next person to make a difference, shaping a legacy that will endure for generations to come. Join us today, and together, we can create a brighter future for all.

The Next Big Five

We are actively seeking philanthropic partners who share our dedication to uplifting our community. As a nonprofit, we recognise the transformative potential in the generosity of individuals and organisations. Our mission is to create lasting change, and for this, we need substantial funding to refurbish our Centre, the core of our operations, and to expand our services. Your support will not only enhance our facilities but also enable us to reach more lives. If you’re a passionate philanthropist looking to leave a legacy of compassion and drive positive change, please join us in building a brighter future for our community.

Click here to contribute to our General Fundraising Campaign

Click here to contribute to our Roof Replacement Campaign

Hampton & Hampton Hill Voluntary Care Hall of Fame

Hannah Stanton

Hannah Stanton was born in 1913 and grew up in Teddington. During World War II, her house was destroyed by a plane crash, but she and her family survived. She studied English at London University and later became an almoner, helping distribute money to the poor. In 1956, she became the warden of Tumelong, a missionary settlement in South Africa. Hannah also played a significant role in starting the voluntary care group in Hampton Hill.

Rev. Dennis John Greenwood

Dennis Green was born in 1945 in Fulham. He initially worked in accounting but later pursued theological training. He served as a curate at All Saints, Hampton from 1972-1974 and during that time, he collaborated with Hannah Stanton and David Woodroffe. Together, they brought a lot of innovation and energy to their work. Dennis is known for saying that the community care group they started was not meant to be a specifically Christian organisation “but was set up by drawing from people the goodness in every human life”.

David Woodroffe

David Woodroffe graduated as a doctor in 1954 and went into partnership at what has become the Hampton Medical Centre built in the garden of his home in Priory Road. David had a deep concern for both the people of Hampton and for the preservation of the area as a pleasant place to live. He knew from firsthand experience the effect of social isolation on his patients.

The contributions of all three founders of Hampton & Hampton Hill Voluntary Care are preserved in the name of the Centre they helped to form The Greenwood Community Centre and with in it the Stanton Hall.

If you want to learn more about Hannah’s inspiring story and the full story behind the development of both Hampton & Hampton Hill Voluntary Care and the Greenwood Community Centre, you can read the book “Never Too Busy – Caring in The Hamptons” written by John Green, who was one of our amazing volunteers.