Calderdale-based community charity welcomes over 150 people to its Outback Community Kitchen and Garden in celebration of 21^st milestone

Halifax, West Yorkshire (20.06.2023): Local charity, Halifax Opportunities Trust (HOT), is ecstatic to share the success of its recent Community Celebration that welcomed over 150 local people to its Outback Community Kitchen and Garden on 15^th June 2023, to mark it’s 21^st anniversary.

The event brought together individuals, families and businesses to recognise the impactful work that takes place at HOT, within one of the charity’s key delivery sites. It was a hive of activity and, with the sun shining across the Trust’s very own greenspace on Lightowler Road, it made for a glorious celebration of community, diversity and the opportunities the Trust creates.

Alison Haskins, CEO of HOT, comments: “Seeing everyone having fun together at our Community Celebration reflects everything HOT is about – creating a vibrant, multicultural and self-sustaining community. We’re really proud of how far we’ve come and this event not only acknowledges our roots in Park ward, but the strides we’ve made in creating opportunities for a better life and stronger community.

“I am confident the Trust will continue to have an immense impact in the next 21 years, not only within Park ward, but across the region; becoming a shining example of true community power.”

Serving delicious home-cooked food prepared by the Outback Kitchen team, alongside savoury delights from Café No.5, the event (and food) proved popular among all who attended. It hosted a wide range of activities for attendees, from beekeeping demos and honey tasting to garden games and a children’s treasure hunt, there was plenty to see and do; all topped off with a delicious cake!

Welcoming local people from Park ward, community partners and friends of HOT, the celebration brought together a vast array of stakeholders all united by the charity’s work throughout Calderdale.  The Trust also welcomed stalls from its delivery teams, to raise awareness of the many services HOT offers, as well as other community organisations and partners such as:

• Overgate Hospice
• 51^st Pellon Scout Group
• Halifax Community Fridge
• Team Unique Halifax
• Calderdale Green New Deal

Alison Haskins, CEO, took the opportunity at the event to raise awareness of the Trust’s intentions to acquire Queen’s Road Neighbourhood Centre and transform it into a multi-purpose community centre, from which HOT will operate. The Trust has put forward an expression of interest to Calderdale Council and hopes the site will be a base for the charity for the next 21 years and beyond. A true community-hub in the heart of Park ward.

Over the past 21 years HOT has grown to create a wide range of opportunities throughout Halifax and Calderdale, with many of its operations being delivered from its flagship site, Hanson Lane Enterprise Centre. Staying true to its roots in Park ward, the Community Celebration acknowledged the importance of place-based delivery and reinforced its role as a recognised community anchor in the area.

Halifax Opportunities Trust officially began operating in April 2002, continuing the legacy of the West Central Halifax Partnership, making this year the Trust’s official 21^st birthday. It first set out to ‘fly the flag for regeneration’ with the ultimate goal of bringing positive change in Halifax. Today the Trust’s six delivery areas aim to do just that, creating opportunities for a better life and future, reaching around 1,700 people each day.

HOT continues to celebrate its anniversary throughout 2023 and will conclude activity with it’s BIG HOT Review of the year and AGM on Thursday 16^th November 2023, held at the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre. Here, the Trust will reflect on the past 21 years, celebrate its impact and look forward to future plans.

ENDS

More information about Halifax Opportunities Trust

Halifax Opportunities Trust believes every person has the power and potential to thrive and play a part in building a stronger, healthier and happier community. We work with people to understand their aspirations and help them along the way, at any point of their journey. We create opportunities for a better life.

Learn more about our 21st Birthday celebrations

As well as birthday celebrations, we’re also marketing our 21st anniversary with memories from our archives, supported by contributions our connections are kindly providing to tell our story. Learn more on our official webpage, via the button below.