About Us
About Our Community Care Project
How long has the Charity been going?
Removing barriers…
Having supported the local community over many years the Trustees could see that amongst the existing community services there were always people that weren’t covered by the support available. Those with no permanent address, those that didn’t have transportation options to get to the services, those unable to travel for physical or mental health reasons, even those working part time where their hours clash with foodbank opening times. The more we looked the more people slipped through the support net.
Why Swale?
Swale has some of the highest levels of child, fuel and financial poverty in Kent. Regions such as Murston, Sheppey, Leysdown & Teynham have consistently been in the county and national top 10% for poverty since 2015. This is without the impact of the pandemic and current cost of living crisis. 10% of those living in Swale are also categorised with Fuel Poverty. With 152,000+ population in 2021 this means that 1,500+ are living with financial and fuel poverty. Of these 29000+ are over the age of 65 (20% population). Many of these over the age 65 live in the more rural areas of the borough and often have mobility or transport challenges.
Our Trustees
We have appointed an initial three Trustees with an aim to extend this to five within the first 12-18 months of operation.We have a committee of three, each with 3-5 years of supporting other local charities and organisations.
Elaine Allen (Chairperson)
Elaine is retired with a lengthy career in retail, office and clerical. This has provided good people skills and understanding of organisation, procedures and governance. Along with a positive network of local businesses and individuals. With a strong focus on her extended family and grandchildren Elaine holds family values, childcare and support very firmly in her core beliefs and this is reflected in her motivation to support the community. Over the last 5 years Elaine has used this motivation to support several local non-profit organisations and has held the position of Trustee previously. Elaine’s experience of running a community kitchen means that she is central to our Community Café Project and management of these planned services.
Daniel Marsh (Treasurer)
Dan is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer and a Senior Manager within London transport services with 25 years of Engineering and Management experience within the Transport & Construction industry. Dan’s organised and professional approach have ensured that we have put in place a robust set of governance procedures, active and transparent financial management in addition to a problem solving mindset and determination. He is also taking the lead role in engaging with the local authority and voluntary groups via the Swale Cost of Living Forum & Swale Voluntary Aliance.
Trevor Thurlow (Safeguarding Lead)
Trevor is also recently retired with a mixed career in the transport sector, including rail, underground and taxi’s. With seasoned people skills, Trevor can build trusting rapport with the full spectrum of the general public and has the added bonus of utilising his local road knowledge (taxi’s) to great use with our home delivery service for food parcels. Trevor has held the role of revenue inspector within the rail industry and has an eye for behaviours, conflict resolution and policy & procedures so brings a level of discipline and calmness to the team. Trevor manages our collection and home delivery project.
£4,106 donated
3 TRUSTEES
8 Volunteers
45 Doners
£23,572 raised
Thank You to Our Partners & Sponsors
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