18 July 2025

Hestia proudly celebrated 20 years of dedicated service to the Kingston community, hosting a vibrant and heartfelt event at Millennium House - Hestia’s Good Energy Club. 

The Good Energy Club is a community engagement public health project designed to engage people living in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, who live with a diagnosis of mental illness or low levels of mental wellbeing, to take part in physical and social activities. The aim is to increase physical fitness, improve mental health and decrease social isolation.

The celebration brought together over 75 attendees including service users, Good Energy Club members, colleagues, volunteers and key external partners - all united to mark this special milestone and reflect on the positive impact of two decades of service.

Gemma Chandler, Director at Hestia opened the event with a heartfelt reflection on Hestia’s journey.

One moving moment of the day was the Art & Craft Sculpture unveiling, a project led by volunteer, Tracey and her team. Together, they shared the story behind the artwork, describing the creative journey and the meaning woven into every detail. 

There was also a poetry reading by Service Manager, David Price, who delivered a touching piece written by a Hestia service user during their time in prison. The poem, which had previously been published, was full of emotion and raw honesty.

The celebration also served as a chance to show gratitude to those who make a difference every day. Eight of our incredible volunteers were awarded for their dedication and contribution to the sessions they help run. Their talent and generosity were warmly celebrated by all.

Hestia's Good Energy Club music group performed which had the crowd involved and having a joy-filled time. There was also an open mic segment which gave service users the chance to express themselves. Some shared poems, others spoke about their beloved plants, and several simply stepped up to share kind words and celebrate the day. 

To close, David Price returned to the stage for a heartfelt closing speech, thanking everyone for being part of such a special day and acknowledging the collective journey of the past two decades.

Guests were treated to a delicious Jamaican lunch, featuring favourites like jerk chicken, curry goat, rice and peas, plantain, and more. The celebration was topped off with a beautiful, homemade celebration cake baked by Tracey, which received a round of applause before being served as dessert.

Here’s to 20 years of compassion, community, and care – and to many more ahead. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this milestone celebration so meaningful.

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