Hope (Kent) provide supported accommodation for homeless ex-offenders or those at risk of offending throughout Kent. Beyond Homelessness works in partnership with the Kent Probation Area of the National Probation Service.

Beyond Homelessness main aim and objective is to support and assist ex-offenders and those at risk of offending by the provision of a secure environment in which residents may acquire the skills needed for independent living.

To find out more go to the Beyond Homelessness website here: www.beyondhomelessness.org.uk or telephone: 01634 819649

Blackthorn Trust is a charity which offers medical care, specialist therapies and rehabilitation through work placements in the Blackthorn Garden. They offer help to people with mental or physical health difficulties or learning disabilities.

Blackthorn Trust provide a range of activities to help people gain confidence and self esteem and to develop life and work skills

Address: Blackthorn Trust, Blackthorn Medical Centre, St Andrew’s Road, Maidstone ME16 9AN. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Trust Office: 01622 722219 Garden/Cafe: 01622 722216 or email [email protected]. To go to their website follow the link www.blackthorn.org.uk

BME Carers Service – Rethink Mental Illness: In Gravesend, Rethink Mental Illness provide a BME (Black and Ethnic Minority) specific carers service with information available in Punjabi, Urdu and Chinese.

• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: 01474 364498
• http://www.rethink.org/services-groups/services/rethink-sahayak-carers-service

The British Heart Foundation run a number of shops across Kent and Medway which provide volunteering opportunities for those looking to work towards getting back into employment.

• Volunteer work placements
• Wide range of ages – work closely with agencies such as the Shaw Trust
• Range of tasks, from shop display and retail to lifting boxes, cleaning items, ironing or steaming
• Solitary (backroom) or social (retail) available

Maidstone: 7 High Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1HJ to see the location on a google map click here. Telephone: 01622 761817

Sevenoaks: 121 High Street, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1UP to see the location on a google map click here. Telephone: 01732 741490

Tonbridge: 72 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1BD, to see the location on a google map click here. Telephone: 01732 367492

Tunbridge Wells: 18 Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1QU, to see the location on a google map click here. Telephone: 01892 518587

Carers FIRST in Kent & Medway offer advice information and guidance to Carers of adults and children who, through ill health, frailty, disability, mental health issues or substance misuse are unable to manage without support. Some carers will live with the person they care for, others may not.

In West Kent, they support Adult Carers of adults and additionally we have a Young Adult Carer worker who supports Young Carers through the transition to adulthood from the age of 16 to 24. We provide limited support to parents of children with disabilities.

In Medway we support Carers, both Young Carers and adult from the age of 5 to 105.

Carers FIRST supports carers living in Medway, Tonbridge & Malling, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Edenbridge Dartford Gravesham and Swanley and the surrounding rural areas. They support carers who have a family member or friend who need help. They provide emotional and practical support, advice, information, guidance and offer access to statutory carers assessments, training, events, social groups, short breaks, activities, trips and more.

For their website follow the link: www.carersfirst.org.uk
Email : [email protected]
Telephone: 0300 303 1555

Address: Carers FIRST in Kent & Medway, 3 Canterbury Street, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 5TP

Catch 22 supports care leavers with the transition from the care system to adulthood and independent living, including accessing suitable and secure accommodation. Kent 16+ operates a supported lodging scheme for young people whereby they can live within a family-type environment whilst acquiring the independent living skills and emotional resilience necessary to enable them to live independently. The carers within this scheme are approved and receive comprehensive training and on-going support and supervision from the dedicated supported accommodation officers within the service.

Catch 22 services is committed to ensuring young people have the best possible chance to succeed in life, with support including:

• a dedicated worker to help each young person achieve the things that are important them
• a plan to keep track of the important things (a Pathway Plan)
• assistance in accessing and sustaining college and university
• help with gaining employability skills
• help with finances
• volunteering opportunities
• help in having their opinions heard
• referring to other specialist teams or workers
• accessing their care files.

Catch 22 services are all over and Kent and Medway to search for your local service click here.

To go to their website follow the link: www.catch-22.org.uk

Centra Support provides support for people who experience mental illness, older people, domestic abuse, young people, homelessness and learning disabilities with their accommodation needs. Centra Support projects are accommodation based. Centra Support provide a person centred approach, supporting people to achieve their aspirations, working closely with other agencies. There are five mental health schemes in Centra Kent. Four are accommodation based, with self contained flats and communal areas.

The Horizons projects, Archer House and George Culmer Court, are jointly managed with KMPT. People have more intensive support needs around both housing and mental health and may remain in their accommodation for some years. Referrals need to have a diagnosis of a mental illness and to be already receiving support from a CMHT.

Chaucer House and Lower Northdown Avenue are funded to support people with low or medium needs. The aim is for people to be living independently in the community within two years.

There is also another scheme, Release Planning and Re-enablement. (0238 1848729). Centra Support work in partnership with Oxleas NHS Trust with clients in Kent prisons who experience mental health and/or substance misuse issues and who are homeless. Centra Support help identify accommodation and provide a floating support service for up to 3 months upon release from prison.

To find out more about this service go to their website: www.centragroup.org.uk

Addresses and contacts for Centra Support projects:

Archer House, Sittingbourne : 01795 439120 email: [email protected]

George Culmer Court, Margate: 01843 297168

Lower Northdown Avenue, Cliftonville: 01843 223131

Chaucer House, Canterbury: 01227 454631

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) have a range of services to help you get debt free. They have a range of branches all over the UK and can help with:

• Budgeting - work out a realistic budget that prioritises your essential bills. Your local Debt Coach will then visit you again to explain the budget, any options or choices you may have to work your way out of debt, and what payments you will need to make. CAP will then negotiate affordable payments with each creditor and stop unfair interest and charges where possible.
• Paying your debts - To help you stick to your budget and repay your debts CAP will set up a debt management plan for you.
• Severe Debt - If you are in severe debt, CAP can help you with your options, such as petitioning for bankruptcy. CAP can help you to fill out the forms and even attend court with you.

• National Christian Charity offering debt management and advice
• Workers support clients to manage and pay off debt

To find your local branch go to the website: www.capuk.org and enter your postcode.

The Citizens Advice Bureau aims to provide the advice people need for the problems they face and improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives. They provide free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities.

Maidstone - 2 Bower Terrace, Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, ME16 8RY, to see the location on a google map click here.
Telephone: 01622 752420 or 01622 757882, 01622 688133 - Welfare and benefits advice, 01622 751788 - Money advice or Email: [email protected]
To go to the website click here or follow the link: http://www.maidstonecab.org.uk

Sevenoaks - Buckhurst Lane, Sevenoaks, TN13 1HW, to see the location on a google map click here.
Telephone: 01732 440488 (initial advice) or Email: [email protected]
To go to the website click here or follow the link: http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/sevenoakscab

Tonbridge and Malling - 3/4 River Walk, Tonbridge, TN9 1DT, to see the location on a google map click here.

Telephone: Bureau Telephone Advice Line 01732 440488; Adviceline 08444 111 444, 01732 361709 (Admin only). PCCs to ask clients to contact local telephone advice service 01732 440488
To go to the website click here or follow the link: http://www.tonbridgecab.org.uk

Tunbridge Wells - 5th Floor, Vale House, Clarence Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1HE, to see the location on a google map click here.
Telephone: 01892 533 880 Advice or 01892 617256 Admin Answerphone service only
Email: [email protected]
To go to the website click here or follow the link: http://www.twcab.org.uk

• To provide the advice people need for the problems they face
• Provide free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities

Citizens’ Rights for Older People can help with:

• As an older person do you need help to make a complaint?
• Can you negotiate satisfactory care services for yourself?
• Do you need help filling in benefit forms?
• Is your landlord keeping to his tenancy agreement

They provide a service in the following areas:

• Maidstone, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks area
• Ashford and Shepway including rural areas
• Thanet, Dover, Canterbury, Swale and the Isle of Sheppey

To find your local service go to the website: www.cropkent.org.uk

Commonwork offers a variety of hands-on education programmes and experiences around organic and sustainable food and farming, sustainable development, global citizenship, social enterprise and wellbeing. Commonwork also offers vocational and therapeutic programmes working with vulnerable young people and adults to help develop their talents and potential.

The Grow2Grow team includes two clinical psychologists, an occupational therapist and horticultural therapist (all part time) and a full time gardener and they provide supported supported vocational placements for vulnerable young people leaving care aged between 14 and 24 years.

Tel: 01732 463255 or email: [email protected]. Or to go to their website click here.

Address: Commonwork, Bore Place, Chiddingstone, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7AR, to see the location of this project on a google map click here.

www.commonwork.org

Crossways Community cares for people with mental health difficulties. The care and support in each home is tailored to meet specific needs. Crossways Community provides residential care and support for adults aged 18-65 with acute mental health issues.

Crossways offers a variety of accommodation to cater for all needs:

• Moxham House, a registered care home that provides round-the-clock support for 17 residents
• Culverdale, a supported unit for 22 people
• Bethel Court, a block of six self-contained flats suitable for more independent residents
• Earl’s Road, a self-contained flat for one resident.

They also run regular mental health awareness programmes.

8 Culverden Park Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9QX. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01892 540843. Email: [email protected], to go to their website follow the link: www.crosswayscommunity.org.uk

Family Matters are there to support you if you have been subjected to rape or sexual abuse. Family Matters operate throughout Kent and Medway and provide a confidential helpline, counselling, advice and support.

Family Matters provide:

• A safe and confidential environment in which to explore the thoughts, feelings and behaviour affecting your life.
• To listen, offer support and help as you find a way through some of the difficulties you are experiencing and how they impact on your wellbeing.
• To help reduce the mental and physical distress you may be experiencing.
• To assist those faced with inflicting self harm or suicidal thoughts.
• To guide you through a period of change, during which we will help you grow and replace old behaviour with new ways of thinking and self-discovery.

The Family Matters counselling practice is supported by qualified professionals - specialists in the areas of childhood sexual abuse and rape. They are trained across a wide range of issues and disciplines to help those affected address their fears and identify a clear path towards resolution and healing.

Family Matters expertise is wide-ranging and covers physical abuse, depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress, child protection, trauma, bereavement, self-esteem issues, and anger management. Family Matters would also address how being vulnerable impacts on work related problems, sexuality issues and - where appropriate - related drug and alcohol problems.

Helpline 01474 537392 or email at: [email protected] or write to their Head Office at 13 Wrotham Road, Gravesend, Kent DA11 0PA.

To go to their website follow the linkL www.familymattersuk.org

Family Mosaic Home Improvement agencies help to promote independence at home by offering a wide range of services that include:

HomeSafe:

• Information and advice to help you maintain independent living in your own home.
• Professional service to help you adapt your home to meet your needs.
• Fully insured surveyors and register of trusted contractors

Homefixed

• Affordable Handyperson service covering a raft of minor repairs and DIY type work
• Competitive quotation service for larger works, decorating and galvanized handrails
• Supply and fit keysafe service

Care Navigator Service

• Free confidential help, advice and support for older people
• We can help you find out about services available in your community
• Improve your confidence in decision making and dealing with everyday problems
• Take charge and manage your situation
• Improve your sense of wellbeing
• Assess, and arrange the supply of equipment and minor aids to your home.

To find your local service go to their website by following the link: www.familymosaic.co.uk

Fusion Healthy Living Centre is a partnership project featuring a cafe with internet access and a huge range of services including;

• Café with full internet access.
• Health Trainer Service
• Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB)
• Golding Homes Benefit surgery.
• Sexual Health clinic for young people.
• Youth Café
• Chiropody
• Health Walks
• Activities for All
• Lunch Boxes
• Families Matter Most

4 Parkwood Parade, Maidstone, ME15 9HL. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01622 691177 or email: [email protected]
To go to their website go to the following link: www.fusionhlc.org.uk

Get Connected are there for advice if you’re under 25, they are there for you, 365 days a year, for absolutely anything you’re going through. Get Connected are free, confidential, and you can contact them however you’d prefer - by phone, email, text or webchat.

They can help you with anything you are going through, and this includes:

• Abuse and violence
• Bullying, harassment and discrimination
• Citizenship and cultural issues
• Crime, the law and your rights
• Drink, drugs and addictions
• Families and care
• Feelings and mental health
• Gender and sexual identity
• Harming yourself
• Housing and homelessness
• Physical health
• Sex, relationships and pregnancy
• Work, education and money

To go to the Get Connected website click here, or follow the link: www.getconnected.org.uk

By phone - Call them free on 0808 808 4994 open from 1pm - 11pm every day

By text - Text them free on 80849 Texts will usually be answered within 24 hours

By Email - click here to go to the Get Connected contact page. Emails will usually be answered within 24 hours.

Gingerbread provide expert advice, practical support and campaign for single parents. They have a range of factsheets and advice on practical advice on issues such as money, work and family. If you can’t find what you’re looking for their helpline advisers are only a free phone call away.

So if you are looking for information and advice on any of the below topics (and more) and are a single parent Gingerbread can help:

• Child maintenance
• Contact
• Single Dads
• Employment
• Education
• Welfare benefits and tax credits
• Housing
• Debt, money and benefits.

The Gingerbread Single Parent Helpline is open as follows:

Mondays: 10am to 6pm,

Tuesdays / Thursdays / Fridays: 10am to 4pm

Wednesdays: 10am-1pm and 5pm-7pm.

Phone today for free, on 0808 802 0925.

For more information or to see the advice and factsheets available go to the Gingerbread website at: www.gingerbread.org.uk

Many parents need help, friendship, advice or support during those early years when their children are young. If you have at least one child under five then Home Start can help. Being a parent can be a tough job, and a lack of support from family or friends can lead to isolation.

The Home-Start volunteers are all parents themselves, and offer friendship, support and strategies to help families establish good bedtime routines, manage challenging behaviour, and even finances. They also help families with more complex needs including mental health, child protection or domestic violence issues. They work with the family over a number of weeks providing confidential friendly support to help families grow in confidence, strengthen their relationships with their children and widen their links with the local community.

Address: 116b London Road, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 0PN. Click here to see this location on a google map.

Telephone: 01892 524916, or email [email protected]

Click here to go to the Home Start South West Kent website or go to: www.home-startswk.org.uk

• Provide support for parents
• Support and Friendship for families

Homeless UK is an online resource providing advice and information on services, day centres and hostels. Find services or accommodation if you are having housing problems.

To go to the website click here, or go to the following link: www.homelessuk.org

To search for all services click here.

To search for accommodation click here.

The Horizon Project, engages hard-to-reach young people and moves them towards independence through the provision of vocational training.

• Edenbridge centre covers painting & decorating.
• Tonbridge, Cranbrook (both carpentry & joinery)
• Tunbridge Wells (plumbing & electrical).

Unit 3, Euro House, Station Road, Edenbridge, TN8 6HQ. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01732 865 352, or email: [email protected]
To go to their website follow the link: www.horizonproject.co.uk

Involve Kent based in Maidstone provide a range of services to the community which includes:

• Carers - providing assessments, information, advice and peer support
• Older Adults - community support and groups to reduce isolation and falls prevention services
• Community Transport - safe and reliable transport for those unable to use public transport - for a small fee
• Volunteering - supported volunteering projects to support vulnerable people of in Maidstone Gateway as well as running the Volunteer Centre Maidstone & Malling
• VCS Support - providing advice, information and training for the VCS sector in the Maidstone area
• Cancer Support - through Macmillan Volunteer Service helping support those diagnosed with cancer
• Your Voice - For people with mental health needs, giving them a voice and enabling them to share their experiences of services and support

To go to their website click here or follow the link: www.involvekent.org.uk or email them for more information: [email protected] or call: 01622 677337

Address: Involve Kent, 39-48 Marsham Street, Maidstone Community Support Centre, Maidstone, ME14 1HH

A Carer is someone of any age who provides unpaid support to a family member or friend who could not manage without help. The person cared for or supported could be a relative, partner, friend or neighbour who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems.

Involve Carers recognises and values the contribution that Carers make; not only to the life and well being of the person they care for, but also to the wider community. They want to support Carers in their caring role.

Involve Carers is a point of contact and support for anyone living in Maidstone, Malling and surrounding rural areas who cares for a relative, partner or friend. They provide:

• emotional and practical support
• advice
• information
• free ‘Caring with Confidence’ courses
• peer support groups
• a wide range of free activity groups
• newsletters

They offer statutory Carers Assessments, and can register Carers with the free Kent Carers Emergency Card scheme.

Website: www.involvekent.org.uk/services/carers

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 01622 685276

Address: Involve Carers, 39-48 Marsham Street, Maidstone Community Support Centre, Maidstone, ME14 1HH

SureStart Children’s Centres are places that provide information and services for families with young children aged from birth to five years in the local community and are great places to meet new people. SureStart Centres are designed to give children the best start in life and to support their parents and carers.

Each centre offers different services, including

• childcare
• early education
• training or finding a new job
• antenatal classes
• baby clinics
• support with breastfeeding
• support with parenting and speech and language
• drop-in sessions for parents and children
• Services for children with special needs and disabilities
• opportunities for families to get involved with volunteering and designing services

Please check with your local children’s centre to find out what they offer: www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/childcare-and-pre-school/childrens-centres

If you are experiencing a family dispute Kent Family Mediation Service can offer low cost mediation at a variety of venues in Kent.

They can help you with:

• Have recently separated, or separated some time ago from your partner
• Are a heterosexual, homosexual or a same sex couple i.e. gay or lesbian
• Are already Divorced
• Wish to divorce or dissolve your civil partnership
• Are a Grandparent or other family member who would like to make arrangements to see a child/children
• Have a shared interest in a financial matter, albeit you never lived with the other person
• Lived with the other person, were not married and have a family or a financial matter that you wish to resolve
• Still live together and wish to separate
• Are still married or still in a civil partnership
• Have a dissolved civil partnership
• Are separated from your partner and wish to discuss issues relating to a child/children
• Have a business dispute

Their head office is at: 1 London Road, Sittingbourne, Kent. ME10 1NQ

Telephone: 01795 410457 or email: [email protected] to go to their website click here, or go to the following link: www.kentfms.co.uk

They run services all over Kent to find a local service click here.

Kent Young Carers supports all young carers aged 5-18 across Kent with information, advice, social activities and individual support. If you support someone who would otherwise struggle to look after themselves without your help - mum, dad, brother, sister… and you are aged 5 - 18 then you are a young carer.

Kent Young Carers Website gives information, events, referral forms, links and more to support young carers in Kent.

• Are you at Primary or Secondary School?
• Aged 5 - 18?
• Do you help look after someone at home because they cannot look after themselves?

Kent Young carers gives young carers the opportunity to socialise with other young carers because it is important to know they are not alone in this situation.

To find out more go to the Kent Young Carers website by clicking here, or you can call them on 0300 111 111 0 or email: [email protected]

www.kentyoungcarers.org.uk

Lifeways supports men, women and families with a history of offending, enabling them to plan for the future. Lifeways can also help people who are moving to the west of Kent from a different area of the country. What support do Lifeways provide? They promote ways of working that will reduce the risk of re-offending and help people choose an independent lifestyle. They can help with:

• Claiming benefits
• Housing advice
• Tenancy support
• Employment/training
• Budgeting
• Liaising with probation/ other agencies
• Finding/applying for appropriate housing

For an application form or an informal chat please contact Lifeways on 01732 749451 or see below on how to refer go to: www.westkent.org/Support

The Live It Well Website has a range of information and advice all designed to support your mental health and wellbeing. Find out about the Six Ways to Wellbeing and what people in Kent are doing to support their wellbeing.

We have information on money and benefits, debt help and advice, mental health services and how to get help in Kent and Medway.

We have a unique database of local support and help that is available in your community.

We have listings for all of the NHS Talking therapy providers in Kent, so if you are struggling find out how you can refer yourself into services here.

• Gives advice and links to other services
• Local focus website, with links to social activities, physical health and things to do in Kent and Medway
• Hosts the Live It Library - mental health recovery stories
• Offers support pages, live online support and local information
• Information on how the community mental health teams work and the mental health system in Kent and Medway
• Supports the Six Ways to Wellbeing and has local suggestions to support these - Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Take Notice, Give, and Planet - Care
• Employment , money and debt advice
• Information about personal budgets and self direct support
• Information on carers groups and service user networks
• Information on PTSD
• Information on Housing help and support

We are always looking to improve our website so if you have any ideas about how we can help let us know. To go to the home page go to www.liveitwell.org.uk or to contact Live It Well email: [email protected]

The Live Well Kent service is there to help people improve their mental and physical health and wellbeing. It is a free service for anyone over 17. Some of the things Live Well Kent can help with are:

Mental health and wellbeing

• Understanding and managing thoughts and emotions
• Achieving personal goals
• Accessing therapies and support groups.

Keeping active and healthy

• Healthy living support eg stopping smoking or cutting down on alcohol
• Dance clubs
• Walking groups and sporting activities.

Meeting people

• Volunteering
• Social enterprises and community projects
• Arts, music and culture groups.

Training and work

• Gaining new skills
• Finding the right job.

Everyday living

• Managing money, including debt and benefits
• Housing support and guidance

Live Well Kent’s aim is to connect people with their communities, ensuring they have access to the widest possible range of support and services to meet their particular needs.

So if you are looking for help and support for yourself or someone you know call on 0800 567 7699 or email [email protected] and they talk you through how we can help you and give the support and advice you need. To go to their website go to: www.livewellkent.org.uk

Live Well Kent is delivered on behalf of Kent County Council and the NHS by two charities, Porchlight and Shaw Trust.

Look Ahead provides specialist support and care services to people with a variety of needs. Look Ahead work with people whose lives can be challenging and at times chaotic. They support each customer as an individual, to take control of their support, achieve their goals and aspirations, and move towards a positive, independent future.

They work in partnership with local authorities and health trusts to provide specialist support and care services to:

• People with mental health needs
• People with learning disabilities
• Young people, care leavers and teenage parents
• Homeless individuals and families
• People with offending and sex work histories
• People with substance misuse needs
• People experiencing/fleeing domestic abuse
• People with physical disabilities

Telephone: Tel: 0207 937 1166 or email: [email protected] or go to their website: www.lookahead.org.uk

Maidstone Borough Council provides a range of services for the residents and businesses of Maidstone. Find out about local activities, leisure centres, groups, clubs and housing advice.

Maidstone House, King Street, Maidstone, ME15 6JQ. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

To go to their web page click here, or go to the following link: www.maidstone.gov.uk

Find out about local activities, leisure centres, groups, clubs and housing advice.

Maidstone Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) provide services to adults people living in the community who are experiencing mental health problems.

Maidstone Community Mental Health Team, 180/186 Union Street, Maidstone, ME14 1EY. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Tel: 01622 766900. For their website click here or to find out more about Community Mental Health Teams click here.

• Referrals to the CMHTs are usually made directly through a GP
• The intake element of a CMHT acts as a single point of access for all referrals to mental health services that we provide.
• If you are referred to a team they will assess you, signpost and offer short-term treatment as close as possible to your home

www.kmpt.nhs.uk

Day centre run by Maidstone Christian Care providing support and facilities for people facing homelessness including:

• hot showers
• laundry
• food
• lounge
• telephone
• basic skills training
• help with benefits claims and housing

Lily Smith House, 15 Knightrider Street, Maidstone, ME15 6LP. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01622 674064 or email: [email protected]. To go to their website follow the link: www.homelessinmaidstone.org.uk/mdc.htm.

Maidstone Gateway is a great way of finding local and public services. Find out about all the services that operate from this community hub here.

The Gateway makes it easier to reach a wide range of specialist, voluntary and charitable agencies in addition to services from Kent County Council and Maidstone Borough Council. Also offered is free internet access.

The Gateway, King Street, Maidstone ME15 6JQ. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01622 602000 or contact them through: www.maidstone.gov.uk/contactus

To go to their website follow the link: www.maidstone.gov.uk/find-and-contact-us/the-gateway

Maidstone Mediation helps the people of mid Kent area who are suffering due to conflict or dispute or the aftermath of incidents of crime.

• Neighbour disputes
• Trouble between parents and teenagers
• Conflicts in schools
• Victims of crime and offenders
• Anger management

Address: Community Support Centre, Marsham Street, Maidstone, ME14 1HH, to see this location on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01622 692843 email: [email protected] or to go to the website click on the link: www.maidstonemediation.co.uk

Maidstone Mind are committed to supporting mental health and wellbeing in the community with a person centred approach. They offer a wide range of services which include:

• Arts and craft therapy
• Gardening project
• Cooking groups
• Social groups
• Walking group
• OCD Peer support
• Recovery group and Recovery Star guidance
• Coping with Life Courses (CBT based)
• Home visits for hoarders
• Befriending service
• Volunteer opportunities
• Support programme for hoarding

Maidstone Mind are also an accredited IAPT provider with counselling services.

Hoarding Service - Maidstone Mind provides home visits by appointment for individuals in the Maidstone area who hoard. They can also provide CBT specially for Hoarding. Individuals can self-refer or be referred by external agencies. Please contact Maidstone Mind for more information.

Address: 23 College Road, Maidstone, ME15 6YH. To see the location of this service on a google map click here. Telephone: 01622 692383 or email: [email protected]

To go to their website go to: www.maidstonemind.org

In collaboration with Age Maidstone, Brighter Futures and Maidstone Borough Council they provide a free Counselling Service to all Maidstone residents aged 50 and over.

mcch Maidstone supports people who have or are recovery from mental health issues to get back into work, voluntary work, training or educational opportunities.

mcch support people to build confidence, write CVs, fill out application forms and practice interviews. We also support people with computer training through the UK Online centre and support to find employment.

Live It Well Centre, 84 Holland Road, Maidstone, ME14 1UT.

Telephone: 01622 688003 or email: [email protected]

To find out more click here.

Missing People is a charity that helps you look for missing people on behalf of the friends and family left behind and they are there is you are thinking of running away or going missing.

If you have gone missing, run away or been forced to leave home, or you know someone who has, the charity Missing People is here around the clock to offer support.

If someone you care for has gone missing they listen in confidence, and support missing people and their families to explore their options and, where possible, to reconnect. For those left behind we provide specialised support to ease the heartache and confusion, and help search for their missing loved ones.

116 000 is the number to call, text for advice, support and options if you or someone you care for it’s free, 24 hour and confidential.

To find out more about their services go to their website: www.missingpeople.org.uk

The Money Advice Service (MARS) are an independent service, set up by government to help people make the most of their money, we give free, unbiased money advice to everyone across the UK – online, over the phone and face to face.

Find free advice, online or on the phone on a wide variety of money matters.

Click here to go to the website, or call 0300 500 5000 they are open 8am - 8pm Monday - Friday and 9 - 1 on Saturday or follow the link: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

Find information, advice, online tools and templates on a variety of subjects including:

• Life Stages: Setting up home, having a baby, losing your job, divorce and separation
• Retirement
• Long-term care
• Managing your money better, including: How to review or reduce borrowing & Money saving tips
• Universal Credit and other benefits
• Bank accounts and credit or debit cards
• Scams and identity theft
• Wills and estate planning
• Saving and investing
• Borrowing money
• Debt management
• Homes and mortgages
• Insurance

MoneyForce is the home of money guidance, information and advice for UK Service personnel and their families.

The Primary Care Community Link Service works alongside your GP practice. It is there to help you find a way through to problems you are facing by building your confidence, helping you to feel more included in your community and help you to address any issues that may be affecting your housing or ability to live as independently as you would like.

Telephone: 0800 567 76 99 (or 0300 365 76 99 from a mobile) or email: [email protected]

To go to their website follow the link: www.porchlight.org.uk

Support and advice is provided in a range areas including:

• Money
• Housing
• Education, training and volunteering
• Community involvement
• Health
• Drugs & Alcohol
• Confidence

Support is completely free and can last for up to 8 weeks. The service is open to adults (18+) living in Kent who feel that their circumstances have affected their mental health and well-being. Speak to your GP and ask them to complete a referral form for you. If you prefer, you can refer yourself by phone or email and they will let your GP know that you have been in touch.

www.porchlight.org.uk

The Prisoners’ Families and Friends Service can provide telephone and email advice and information for prisoners’ friends and relatives.

The Prisoners’ Families and Friends Service can send you a pack of useful information about:

• prison visits
• prison transfers
• home detention curfew (tagging)
• preparing for release,
• where else to get help and more

Their Freephone helpline: 0808 808 3444 the helpline is open Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm or you can email them on: [email protected].

They also have a wide range of factsheets online that you can access here: www.pffs.org.uk/faqs

To find out more about the work that they do and how to access help go to their website here: www.pffs.org.uk

Rethink South West Kent Voluntary Group is a support group for people who have mental health needs and their families and carers.

The Vine Baptist Church Meeting Rooms, Park Lane, Sevenoaks, TN13 3UP. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01732 452143 or email: [email protected]. To go to their web page click here.

This group meet for mutual support and information. They have a variety of speakers and also hold some social events which service users may attend.

http://rethink.org

The Richmond Fellowship provide a range of housing related support to enable individuals with mental health problems to develop and maintain independence in the community. Their services include:

• Residential – our care homes and 24hr hour supported housing schemes provide round the clock support for individuals, often as a step down from a stay in hospital or as an alternative to being admitted to hospital
• Supported living – we provide accommodation as a registered social landlord with staff available to help people develop their independent living skills while our floating support workers provide similar help in people’s own homes
• Community-based – we provide support on a group or individual basis to help individuals access social networks and peer support, and engage in everyday mainstream opportunities
• Employment – we support people who are recovering from mental health problems return to paid employment, voluntary work or training and help employees with mental health problems, including stress, anxiety and depression, to stay in work.

To find out more about the Richmond Fellowship click here or follow the link:www.richmondfellowship.org.uk

Back to top

Kent Based Richmond Fellowship Projects:

Greensands- Supported Housing

This is a short term supported accommodation service based in Sevenoaks, for adults with dual diagnosis (mental health and drug/alcohol issues). The service is staffed by Housing Support Workers Monday-Friday from 9am – 9pm and has a CRI Recovery Worker based on site. For more information please contact: Email: [email protected] tel: 01732 743392

Tonbridge and Malling Visiting Support Service

This service provides support to 10 service users with mental health issues in the Tonbridge and Malling area, to maintain their tenancy within rented accommodation and to continue their recovery journey. The service is built upon a strong a partnership between Russet Homes who provide the accommodation that the service users rent, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council who support the referrals and RF who provide the support to the service users. For more information please contact: Email: [email protected] tel 01732 743392

Thanet Community Based Service

The service promotes social inclusion for people with mental health difficulties by supporting them to access group or 1:1 support depending on what support they require. Most of the support available is provided through a wide variety of group sessions which take place in various locations across Thanet and Sandwich. These groups include those that focus on social opportunities, physical health, learning a new skill or managing specific mental health issues (e.g. depression, hearing voices etc). The service is open to self referrals from anyone with a mental health issue in the Thanet or Sandwich areas. Email: [email protected] or Tel: 01843 280022

Back to top

Sanctuary Supported Living offer housing related floating support, which is a free service, funded by Commissioned Services at Kent County Council and the support can last up to 1 year. The service is available to anyone aged 16 and over in Kent who has a housing related issue and is: Homeless, a council or private tenant, staying with friends or family or a homeowner.

They can help clients to:

• find somewhere to live
• sustain tenancies
• maximise income
• manage bills and debts
• find education/employment/training
• develop independent living skills

For more information click on the relevant link below:

• Floating Support
• Floating Support - East Kent
• Floating Support - West Kent
• Young People - East Kent
• Young People - West Kent

• Dolphin Lodge Hythe
• Nelson House
• St Johns Church Road Folkestone

For more information call: 01905 335730 or email: [email protected] or you can go to their website by following the link: www.sanctuary-supported-living.co.uk

Social care services help people who are in need of support due to illness, disability, old age or poverty. Social care services are available to everyone, regardless of background. However, social care is subject to rules about your needs and ability. Services can also support the families or carers of people who receive social care.

Services include:

• Support in your own home - helping you live independently in your own home.
• Your options if living in your own home is no longer possible.
• Paying for care & how much your care costs and how to pay for it.
• Caring for other people - help and support for those who regularly care for another person in Kent.
• Disability - services for people in Kent with a disability.
• How to get social care help
• Children in care and looked after children in Kent.
• Adoption and fostering

To find out more or follow the link: www.kent.gov.uk

South West Kent Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) provide services to adults people living in the community who are experiencing mental health problems.

• Referrals to the CMHTs are usually made directly through a GP
• The intake element of a CMHT acts as a single point of access for all referrals to mental health services that we provide.
• If you are referred to a team they will assess you, signpost and offer short-term treatment as close as possible to your home

Highlands House, 10-12 Calverley Park Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2JN. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Tel: 01892 709 211. For their website click here or to find out more about Community Mental Health Teams click here to go to the Live It Well Information.

http://www.kmpt.nhs.uk

St Giles Trust aims to help break the cycle of prison, crime and disadvantage and create safer communities by supporting people to change their lives. Their services put reformed ex-offenders at the heart of the solution, training them to use their skills and first-hand experience to help others through peer-led support. Around one-third of our staff are ex-offenders who now support others.

Skills and employment services for ex offenders includes:

• On the job training,
• regular monitoring and supervision,
• professional training in a range of areas,
• a one-to-one session with a specialist in disclosure,
• involvement in our Peer Advisor User Group,
• access to employment opportunities and support to move into paid employment
• Work with prisoners towards rehabilitation and support
• Youth offenders and those at list of offending, support and projects
• Supports prisoners in prison and on release towards work and independence
• Support for children and families of offenders

Telephone: 0207 703 7000 or email: [email protected]

To go to their website follow the link: www.stgilestrust.org.uk

Step Change - The Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) have been providing free debt help and advice for 18 years. Step Change can give you an instant, no obligation assessment of your debt problem and tailored advice based on your situation to help you get debt free.

You can access their free debt help through their web page by clicking here.

Telephone: 0800 138 1111

www.stepchange.org

The National Autistic Society provide a wide range of services for those affected by autism and their families. Click here to go to their website, and look for your local branch.

Their services include:

• Advice and Information
• Education and schools
• Residential Help
• Support for Carers
• Employment and Support

www.autism.org.uk

TheSite.org is an online guide to life for 16-25 year olds in the UK. It provides non-judgmental support and information on everything from sex and stress to debt and drugs.

Straight-talking emotional support is available 24 hours a day. There are options for:

• Chatting about anything on moderated discussion boards and live chat rooms
• Browsing over 2000 articles and videos full of trustworthy facts
• Reading about the experiences of other young people in the True Life section
• Asking questions about friends, dating, love or family life to trained advisors – free and confidential

They have information and advice on:

• Sex & Relationships
• Your Body
• Mental Health
• Drink & Drugs
• Housing
• Money
• Work & Study
• Crime & Safety
• Travel & Lifestyle

www.thesite.org

Have you seen your GP or Doctor and they have recommended you see a counsellor and get some therapy? Thinkaction West Kent is one of the free NHS funded talking therapy and counselling services available in Kent and Medway. These services are open to everyone aged from 17+.

Are you feeling stressed or depressed or anxious?

Or struggling with a phobia, eating disorder or addiction?

Or if you are looking for someone to help you through a difficult time in life, maybe a friend or relative has died or you’re struggling with fertility of if you have lost your job?

Talking therapies can help all sorts of people in many different situations. Talking therapy is for anyone who’s going through a bad time or who has emotional problems they can’t sort out on their own.

You can refer yourself into this free service and see a NHS funded therapist.

Thinkaction West Kent: 0300 012 0012 or email [email protected], they accept GP or self referrals click here to go to their website. They don’t have a waiting list so we are usually able to offer an appointment within 1-3 weeks. Address: Maidstone Community Support Centre, 39-48 Marsham Street, Maidstone ME14 1HH

Tel: 0300 012 0012

Email: [email protected]

For their website click here or follow the link: www.addaction.org.uk

Thinkaction West Kent provide counselling and support for common mental health problems; anxiety, low mood, low self-esteem, stress, trauma, phobias and anger, as well as problems with regards to relationships, work or debt.

There are several talking therapy providers in your area so if one has a waiting list why not try another therapy provider go to our list of local NHS Talking Therapy providers which you can find on our NHS Counselling and Therapy page.

This service was provided as part of the IAPT programme, to find out more about IAPT go to: www.iapt.nhs.uk

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council provides a range of services for the residents and businesses of Tonbridge and Malling. Find out about local activities, leisure centres, groups, clubs and housing advice.

Gibson Building, Gibson Drive, Kings Hill, West Malling, ME19 4LZ. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01732 844522. To go to their web page click here, or go to the following link: www.tmbc.gov.uk

Find out about local activities, leisure centres, groups, clubs and housing advice.

Tonbridge Gateway is a great way of finding local and public services. Find out about all the services that operate from this community hub here.

Tonbridge Castle, Castle Street, TN9 1BG. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01732 876322 or email: [email protected]. To go to their web page click here.

Tonbridge Gateway offers something for everyone, from skills learning to housing advice, access to voluntary organisations and Kent County Council services. Also offered is free internet access.

www.tmbc.gov.uk/services/council-and-democracy/customer-services

Tonbridge Volunteer centre helps people find a volunteering role which matches their skills, experience and circumstances.

3 St Mary’s Road, Tonbridge, TN9 2LD. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01732 357978 or email: [email protected]. To go to their web page click here, or go to the following link: www.tonbridgevb.care4free.net

Tunbridge Wells Volunteer Centres help people find a volunteering role which matches their skills, experience and circumstances.

Wood House, Wood Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2QS. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01892 540131 or email: [email protected]

The Gateway offers something for everyone, from skills learning to housing advice, access to voluntary organisations and services from both Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Kent County Council. You can also access the internet free of charge and make cash payments using our kiosk.

8 Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2AB. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01892 526121, or email: [email protected]. To go to their web page click here, or go to the following link: www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/find-and-contact-us/gateway

Tunbridge Wells Mental Health Resource centre provides practical and emotional support in a safe and caring environment, for people suffering with mental ill health.

The Resource Centre, 2a Grosvenor Park, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2BD. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01892 615 552 or email: [email protected] . To go to their web page click here, or go to the following link: www.twmhr.org.uk

Reachout provides friendly and confidential peer support groups for people with mental health difficulties based in the community. Our aim is to reduce isolation and encourage people to be pro-active in managing their own recovery. Reachout covers Cranbrook, Hawkhurst, Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Edenbridge.

A free counselling service and community one to one support programme are available.

Unlock is a charity that provides information, advice, training and advocacy, dealing with the ongoing effects of criminal convictions.

Unlock provides:

• Information advice and support through their Information Hub, Disclosure Calculator, Online Forum and Online Magazine
• Provide help and support for people with convictions through their Helpline
• They recruit and train people with convictions as volunteers to help support the information and advice we provide
• They run training courses on criminal record disclosure for those that help people with convictions
• They support employers who are handling criminal record information

So if you need help and support following a spell in prison Unlock could help you.

For more information and advice go to: www.unlock.org.uk

Sevenoaks Volunteer Centres helps people find a volunteering role which matches their skills, experience and circumstances.

Bradbourne School, Bradbourne Vale Road, TN13 3LE. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01732 454785 or email: [email protected]. To go to their web page click here, or go to the following link: www.sevenoaksvolunteers.org.uk

The West Kent Eating Disorders Support Group For Carers is part of b-eat Self-Help Network and is being run in collaboration with Carers First in Tonbridge.

Carers First, 192 High Street, Tonbridge, TN9 1BE. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01732 357555 or email: [email protected]. To go to their web page click here, or go to the following link: www.eda-westkent.org.uk

The group meets on the last Thursday of every month from 7.30pm - 9.00pm. All parents, carers and friends of people with an eating disorder, or of people who they believe might have an eating disorder, or of people who might be at risk of developing an eating disorder are welcome.

There are three main types of eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.

West Kent Mind works to create a better life for everyone with experience of mental distress, they run many support groups and counselling.

West Kent Mind provides mental health support and help for people in Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Edenbridge, Westerham and surrounding areas.

Provides support for all and their friends, relatives and carers also run:

• Support groups for mums
• ASD Support Groups
• Stress
• Counselling
• Supported Housing

Address: Sevenoaks Centre, 34, St John’s Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3LW. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01732 744950 or email: [email protected]

To go to their web page go to the following link: www.westkentmind.org.uk

• Have you accessed mental health services in Maidstone?
• Would you like the opportunity to give feedback on your experiences in mental health services?
• Are you passionate about the future of mental health services?
• Are you over the age of 18?
• YOur Voice Mental Health Action Group Meetings allows attendees the opportunity to give their feedback to service providers and commissioners so that services can be developed and improved through understanding the perspective of the service user.

For more information go to the website here: involvekent.org.uk/services/mental-health or email: [email protected] or call 01622 230726 for a confidential chat

Address: 39-48 Marsham Street, Maidstone, ME14 1HH