The Octopus Foundation

07/06/2026

The gift of someone’s time, freely given in pursuit of outcomes for the greater good, is invaluable and should be respected, appreciated and never taken for granted.

We have a very special team of volunteers here at The Octopus Foundation who willingly give their time on a weekly basis to support the safe delivery of our projects. This includes ensuring our workshop and other working areas are maintained to a good standard and that beneficiaries are working safely within them. Skills and ideas are shared, and beneficiaries are supported in producing
items to the best of their ability. A listening ear from our volunteers is also always available.
Endless cups of tea and coffee are made and homemade cake often provided, to make people feel welcome and that little bit special. Maddie adds to this with her offer of kisses and general emotional support for anyone who needs it.
Commissioned items are created, along with those produced for sale at fairs attended across the year. Behind the scenes, numerous administrative tasks are undertaken without ever being noticed but nonetheless important for the smooth running of the organisation. In addition, fundraising events are planned and hosted, with volunteers donating their time during evenings and weekends to ensure these are a success, along with other events which help to raise money and or the profile
of our work.
Most recently, volunteers gave their time to help with the renovations to our building. This work was hard going; with blood, sweat and probably a few tears shed, but the team carried on, mostly without complaint, maybe with an odd choice word, in return for nothing except ongoing supplies of tea and biscuits. Not a lot really.
In their view though, our volunteers feel that the benefits of volunteering are reciprocated. They enjoy it. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t do it! Feedback highlights that new skills are learned, confidence is built, and most importantly mental health and wellbeing is improved from being part of a team, knowing that contribution is valued, and that their input is making a difference to those around them.

We couldn’t run our projects in the way that we do without our volunteers, and there are days when we couldn’t even open our doors without them. Our volunteers don’t just support our projects, they are integral to all that we do at The Octopus Foundation.

Thank you all, and please know each and every one of you is respected, and that every hour of your time spent here is appreciated, valued, and never taken for granted. 🐙

05/06/2026

Today is . Being environmentally conscious is something we are mindful of here at Te****le Towers. Although 'buying new' is unavoidable for some of our production materials we re-use and repurpose whenever possible. It may involve a little extra effort but we believe it's worth it. Keeping material costs low whilst minimising environmental impact and prioritising the process over convenience.

Picture 1: Bottle bird feeders made with pallet wood and used wine bottles.
Picture 2: Penguin (now a 'pin'guin) that used to be a bowling pin.
Picture 3: From kitchen cabinet door to fairy door.
Picture 4: Our Shedders Nigel and Richard with their pallet and decking planters.

02/06/2026

This week is National Growing For Wellbeing Week, annually celebrated in recognition of the positive physical and emotional benefits gained by growing things and getting out in the garden/outdoors. Similarly, British Tomato Fortnight started yesterday too which sets us up to share this shot of a tomato flower which is currently blooming on a plant that was kindly donated by one of our green fingered beneficiaries in recent weeks. Do you grow any tomatoes at home? Or any fruit or veg? 🐙🍅

30/05/2026

A lovely afternoon celebrating the 308th anniversary of The French Hospital.

A great opportunity to catch up with colleagues and beneficiaries, whilst enjoying fish and chips, ice cream and a beautiful service at Rochester Cathedral.

Thank you so much for including us in your celebrations.

27/05/2026

Eid Mubarak to all our Muslim friends and colleagues 🐙✨️

26/05/2026

It was a hot one so well done to everyone for turning up and taking part!

24/05/2026

This post may be from last year but it's relevant every time the temperature rises. In this heat take care of your furry friends just as you do yourselves 🐙🐾

A message from Maddie: this lovely weather can be too much for myself and other furry friends. Please take extra care of us during spells of hot weather. If it's uncomfortable for the humans then it's definitely too hot for dogs 🐾🐙

Photo credit: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/keepingyourdogcool

23/05/2026

Not everybody knows that this is a problem.... please take care 🐙

20/05/2026

The makeover is ongoing, but the major renovation works are complete here at Te****le Towers. We were pleased to be able to safely reopen our doors here this week for our beneficiaries. It's great to be back and the creativity is flowing already.
Upstairs, our CrafTea Lady Lyn, finished some beautiful coasters while the ladies downstairs made pompoms and the Shedders wasted no time in having a good catch up.
Thank you to everyone for their patience during the recent upheaval- It's very much appreciated 🐙

17/05/2026

Our last post for this year is about Maddie 🐾

If you've been to Te****le Towers or seen us out in the community then you've likely met Maddie, if you follow us here on our socials then you've definitely seen her.
More than an office dog or a 'mascot', Maddie is a friend to everyone she meets and makes a big difference to those that experience anxiety and uncertainty. She'll happily steal tissues from your pockets and let you rub her belly without judgement....

Animal companions, not just dogs, have been found to greatly benefit mental wellbeing in many cases- we've posted a link to an interesting article in the comments 🐙