The Elm Foundation- A local domestic abuse charity is celebrating 40 years of providing vital support services across Derbyshire with a powerful and heartwarming community-led art project titled The Forest of Hope.
To mark this milestone, supporters from across the county have come together to create over 2000 beautiful handmade leaves, each representing messages of hope, solidarity, and remembrance. These leaves will be lovingly adorned to 40 handcrafted trees, created by CK Rail and the Derbyshire young people scheme Unstoppables. These will symbolise the charity’s four decades of unwavering commitment to survivors of domestic abuse.
The project has seen an incredible outpouring of creativity and compassion from a wide range of supporters, including survivors, local schools, Girl Guides, art groups, foodbanks, after-school clubs, Chesterfield Hospital, Youth groups and fellow charities. Their contributions have transformed The Forest of Hope into a vibrant and meaningful tribute to resilience and community spirit.
The installation will be on public display at Chesterfield Library from 25th November to 10th December, a period that poignantly coincides with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence — a global campaign to end violence against women and girls.
Visitors are warmly invited to view the Forest of Hope during this time, either from New Beetwell Street or within the library itself. Alongside the display, information will be available about domestic abuse support services in the area, helping to raise awareness and ensure that those in need know where to turn for help.
Helen Onion, project lead said: “The Forest of Hope is more than just an art project — it’s a symbol of healing, strength, and community. The Forest has created such an important talking point. We know domestic abuse thrives in silence, creating this art piece has not only brought communities and supporters together; it has provided opportunities to talk about domestic abuse and where to get help. We’re deeply moved by the support we’ve received and proud to stand alongside so many local groups in marking this important anniversary.”
For more information about the Forest of Hope visit: https://www.theelmfoundation.org.uk/ or donate to support their services https://theelmfoundation.enthuse.com/cf/40-leaves-for-40-trees.
For domestic abuse support services in Derbyshire, please contact: 0800 019 8668 or visit https://www.derbyshiredomesticabusehelpline.co.uk/
