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

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

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

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

CXK delivers a range of services across Kent to support young people and families to maximise their potential. In particular by providing them with advice, guidance, skills and the confidence that will help them to progress into education, employment and training. Services include:

• careers guidance, advice and work related learning for vulnerable young people and adults (including the National Careers Service);
• mental health & wellbeing services (Young Healthy Minds);
• Leadership & Development programmes for young people including the National Citizen Service and the Prince’s Trust team programme;
• Management of youth centres and a mobile youth service (Community Activity teams);
• Training Programmes for those not in employment, education and training (European Social Fund);
• Accredited training for adults and professionals working with young people
• Parenting programmes and family workshops

Telephone: 01795 439397, email: [email protected]. For their website follow the link: www.cxk.org

Headway want to promote understanding of all aspects of brain injury and to provide information, support and services to people with a brain injury, their families and carers.
Headway aim to:

• To increase awareness of brain injury and its consequences
• To provide information and support for people with brain injuries, their relatives and carers and concerned professional people
• To promote improved approaches to brain injury screening, acute care, assessment, rehabilitation and social re-integration
• To assist people with brain injuries to return to community living, including access to appropriate accommodation, social outlets, and productive activity

Helpline 0808 8002244. You can see their website by following the link: www.headway.org.uk

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

• Combined jobsearch and benefits service for people of working age.
• Personal advisers assist with jobsearch activities and benefits claims
• Access to Jobpoint terminals for information on job vacancies
• Part of the Department for Work and Pensions’ Jobcentre Plus network

Maidstone - Staceys Street, Maidstone, ME14 1ST, to see the location on a google map click here.

Sevenoaks - Lady Boswell House, London Road, Sevenoaks TN13 1AS, Telephone: 01732 583600, to see the location on a google map click here.

Tonbridge -Crown Buildings, Bradford Street, Tonbridge, TN9 1DU, to see the location on a google map click here.

Tunbridge Wells -88 Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2AX, to see the location on a google map click here.

Telephone: 0845 6043719, to go to the website follow the link: https://www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus

Kent Adult Education provide a range of courses and information in Kent. There are short courses or longer more involved courses as well as free taster sessions - all designed for you to Keep Learning.

Why not take up a new hobby, rediscover an old hobby or just get active? Find a course to suit you at Kent Adult Education.

• Courses for adults for work, recreation and leisure
• Literacy and Numeracy help and support
• crafts, arts, education

Telephone: 0845 6065606 or email at: [email protected]

To go to their website follow the link: www.kentadulteducation.co.uk

The Kent Healthy Business Awards are Kent County Council’s response to the National Charter for Health & Wellbeing. The Kent Healthy Business Awards are self-assessment standards that can help to improve the health of your workforce and economic performance.

Evidence suggests that a workplace with a staff wellbeing programme, benefits from improved staff productivity, reduced sickness absence and improved staff engagement.

They are also a great way to:

• showcase your people, services and skills
• build your reputation for commitment to best practice in health, safety and wellbeing
• support your business development and tendering activity
• get support in developing policies and procedures
• show your compliance with laws and regulations.

Find out more by going to our Kent Healthy Business Awards information.

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.

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.

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

Royal British Legion Industries provides a work programme designed to:

• CV Building
• Interview Preparation
• Job Searching and Application
• Confidence building

They also provide welfare, healthcare and housing services for veterans and ex armed services personnel and their families
Extensive support including residential nursing, supported accommodation and rehabilitation

Address: RBLI, Hall Rd, Aylesford, Nr. Maidstone, ME20 7NL

Telephone Nos: 01622 795954/795900 or email at: [email protected].

For the website follow the link: www.rbli.co.uk

The Shaw Trust Tonbridge supports adults experiencing mental health issues to gain life and employability skills in order to live more independently, secure sustainable employment and actively contribute to family and community life.

The Shaw Trust Tonbridge can help with:

• Information Advice and Guidance tailored to your needs
• Personal Employment Adviser assigned to all
• 1-1 sessions, action planning and goal setting and 12 weekly reviews
• Develop your skills in job searching, CV writing and application form filling and interview techniques
• Job Hub Group job searching, support people to finding voluntary, work placements and paid employment
• In-Work support for 14 weeks with the view to sustaining employment

Job Retention

• Our employment advisors provide support to both employees and employers to enable a smooth return back to work
• Support to negotiate with employers
• Solution focused in resolving issues within the workplace

Address: Shaw Trust, Second floor, 97-101 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1DR to see this location on a google map click here.

Telephone: 0300 7900532

To find out more go to their website here: www.shaw-trust.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

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

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]

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

Winfield promotes confidence through training. If you are interested in learning about computers and their uses and gaining I.T. qualifications (or just building your confidence and knowledge), then Winfield can offer you training, advice and support.

Winfield are based in West Kent and Medway.

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

Winfield are part of United Response.