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

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

297 High Street, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4BN, to see the location on a google map click here.
Telephone: 01634 817330

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.

Medway - Kingsley House, 37-39 Balmoral Road, Gillingham, ME7 4PF, to see the location on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01634 383760, or Email: [email protected]
To go to their website click here, or follow the link: http://www.medwayadvice.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

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

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

Hands Gillingham Volunteer Centre helps people find a volunteering role which matches their skills, experience and circumstances.

Volunteer centres help people find a volunteering role which matches their skills, experience and circumstances. They provide support to existing volunteers and help organisations find volunteers to help them with their activities.

62 Watling Street, Gillingham, Kent ME7 2YN, telephone: 01634 577984

or email: [email protected]

To go to their website follow the link: www.gillinghamvolunteercentre.com

Hands Rochester Volunteer Centre helps people find a volunteering role which matches their skills, experience and circumstances.

5a New Road Avenue, Chatham ME4 6BB. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01634 830371 or email: [email protected]

To go to their website follow the link: www.rochestervb.pcihosting.co.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: 46 Green Street, Gillingham, ME7 1XA. To see this location on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01634 570717

Email: [email protected] or go to their website: www.home-startmedway.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 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]

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

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

Canada House, Barnsole Road, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 4JL. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Tel: 01634 583020

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

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

They have various contact points in the Medway area, to find your local contact point click here.

Telephone: 01634 333333. To go to their web page click here, or go to the following link: www.medway.gov.uk/

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

Medway Council have allocated funding to support those people who are most financially vulnerable. This includes people who:

• are in crisis due to a disaster or other emergency
• need support to regain independence after a period in institutional care
• need support to regain a more settled way of life
• are at risk of losing their independence and ending up in institutional care

At the end of the application process you will be provided with the opportunity to upload evidence in support of your application. You can do this by either scanning gin your documents and uploading the saved files or by photographing your documents and uploading the saved pictures.

Medway Local Medway Welfare Provision fund will need to see proof of your exceptional circumstances, proof of your most recent benefit award letter, proof of all the bank/building society/post office accounts you hold covering the last two months transactions. If you have just moved we will need to see proof of your new tenancy agreement.

There are notes at the end of the application process to advise you of your evidence requirements. If you do not have an up to date statement, please ask your bank or building society to provide you with a print out of your transactions covering the period from your last statement or the last two months and provide the last statement that is available to you.

If you need any help at all please call them on 0800 7720525 and leave a message, someone will return your call shortly.

For more information or to apply for support go to: westkent.egovhub.net/Org/Production/Apps/Gwa/Launch.aspx

Sure Start 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.

• Extensive programmes and support for families
• Events, training, recreation etc.
• Professional advice and guidance for families

Medway run 19 Sure Start centres, please click on the relevant link below to see more information.

• Kingfisher Children’s Centre
• Oaklands Children’s Centre
• Lordswood Children’s Centre
• Brompton Children’s Centre
• Burnt Oak Children’s Centre
• Saxon Way Children’s Centre
• Woodlands Children’s Centre
• Hand In Hand Children’s Centre
• Riverside Children’s Centre
• Miers Court Children’s Centre
• Deanwood Children’s Centre
• Delce Children’s Centre
• All Saints Children’s Centre
• Wayfield Children’s Centre
• St Margaret’s at Troy Town Children’s Centre
• Bligh Children’s Centre
• Temple Mill Children’s Centre
• Gun Lane Children’s Centre
• St James’ Children Centre

MEGAN CIC is the Medway Engagement Group and Network CIC. MEGAN CIC provides opportunities for mental health service users, past and present, to share their views and experiences of mental health issues and services and participate in local service planning and development.

MEGAN CIC aims to offer peer support through group attendance, raise awareness of mental health issues and combat stigma and discrimination and support people with mental health issues in their recovery.

These aims are met through the provision of various groups including Peer Support Groups for people with OCD, Personality Disorder, Anxiety and Depression, Schizophrenia and Bipolar, Activity Groups, Walk N Talks, Forum Meetings, Social Groups and signposting and support sessions.

MEGAN CIC also runs Peer Support Groups for People with Personality Disorders (PD) in the Swale and Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley areas you can find out more about these by downloading their poster by following the link.

Contact Tracey Jones & Catherine Morgan at MEGAN CIC by Telephone: 01634 402077

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.megancic.org.uk

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 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

Relate services include Relationship Counselling for individuals and couples, Family Counselling, Mediation, Children and Young People’s Counselling and Sex Therapy. They also provide friendly and informal workshops for people at important stages in their relationships.

Address: Second Floor, Kingsley House, 37-39 Balmoral Road, Gillingham, ME7 4PF, to see this location on a google map click here.

For appointments call 01634 380038 or email: [email protected]

Website: www.relatenorthkent.org.uk

• Helping couples, families and individuals to make relationships work better
• Delivering inclusive, high-quality services that are relevant at every stage of life
• Sex therapy
• Relationship education

Relates relationship help pages offer practical tips, guides and videos to help you manage common relationship issues such as sex, separation and divorce, and parenting. Whatever the issue, they can help. Follow the link to go to their website www.relate.org.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

A community owned and managed charitable organisation that works with partners across all sectors. They combine a mix of services aimed at everyone within the community; nobody is excluded. The overriding aim is to improve health inequity and well-being by providing an improved range of social, medical and community activities and can help you with a healthier lifestyle with their Health Trainers.

Alzheimer’s or Dementia support that includes the following:

• A regular programme of weekly and monthly activities such as ‘sing-along’ and ‘tai-chi’, outings and events
• Monthly ‘caring for carers’ support groups and coffee mornings
• Regular contact with and support calls to those in contact with the service
• Home visits to assist with the completion of welfare benefit forms, relevant entitlements and services
• Support to access other information relevant to Alzheimer’s and Dementia and the caring role
• A quarterly newsletter
• Onward referral and signposting as appropriate to the individual’s needs and circumstances.

105 Richmond Road, Gillingham, ME7 1LX. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01634 338600 or email: [email protected]. To go to their web page click here, or go to the following link: www.sunlighttrust.org.uk

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

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

YMCA Thames Gateway are a charity for young people and their communities, they provide help on:

• Accommodation with support - providing low cost accommodation to young people who would otherwise be homeless
• Skills training - A2B – A programme for 16-19 year olds that allows young people to gain qualifications and build skills and knowledge around their chosen interest or career search
• Projects for young people - offering young people meaningful and fun activities, Physical Activities, Creative Arts , Cookery and Music and Performing Arts
• Care for children - Dartford nurseries providing full and part-time day care. Free entitlement places available

The Roundhouse, Overy Street, Dartford, DA1 1UP. To see the location of this service on a google map click here.

Telephone: 01332 220521 or email: [email protected]

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