NEWS
KENT CHARITY CARE AWARD FOR KENWARD TRUST ’ S YOUTH SERVICES TEAM
A dedicated youth services team were ‘ buzzing ’ after winning the Kent Charity Care Award at a glittering ceremony held at the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes . Kenward Trust ’ s Youth Services Team : John Shanley ( youth manager ), Andy Watson ( youth outreach worker ), Kim Webster ( youth education executive ) and Christy Bishop ( youth team administrator ) were all recognised for their incredible work in schools , where they deliver early intervention programmes , community outreach and
L-R : HETTY PALMER MARKETING & FUNDRAISING MANAGER , CHRISTY BISHOP , Think Differently , an alcohol and ANDY WATSON , JOHN SHANLEY , PENNY WILLIAMS , KIM WEBSTER . substance education programme for schools all over Kent and Medway . Their outreach work supports social issues in local pockets of Kent , helping families and local communities .
The Think Differently programme in schools uses real-life stories and experiences from individuals previously affected by alcohol or drugs , whether this is due to them losing a family member , or having had a previous addiction .
Commenting on the award , Penny Williams CEO Kenward Trust said : “ We are honoured and thrilled to have received this prestigious award ; significant during our 55th year celebration of Kenward Trust saving lives and creating new futures . We know our programmes really engage with young people and enable them to think about their choices . Hopefully by winning this award it will highlight our work to fundraisers and we can save more young lives with Kim and Andy ’ s impactful stories and delivery in schools .”
If you are a school in Kent and would like to book Kenward ’ s Youth Team ’ s invaluable talk , please contact christy . bishop @ knewardtrust . org . uk or find out more information at kenwardtrust . org . uk / services / youth-work .
EMBRACING ARTS NAMED CHILDREN ’ S CHARITY OF THE YEAR AT THE 2023 KENT CHARITY AWARDS
Faversham-based inclusive children ’ s theatre charity , Embracing Arts , were also recognised in the eighth Kent Charity Awards , awarded joint Children ’ s Charity of the Year .
Originally founded by actors Sue Appleby and Claire Sundin in 2009 as Christmas for Kids , which embraced a festive tour of shows to children ’ s hospices , specially designed for children with additional needs and life-limiting illnesses , the charity expanded in 2020 to delivering workshops in SEND schools and accessible theatre-based parties for children with additional needs , while also incorporating a move from south-east London to Faversham in the process .
Driven by a passion to ensure every child can enjoy the magic of theatre , irrespective of whether they can attend a show in a traditional theatre space , the charity ’ s mission statement is : Making inclusive arts accessible for all , and they do just that – performing in hospice living rooms , in canteens and bedrooms , in school halls and classrooms , or in the middle of children ’ s wards .
“ We are such a small charity , I never thought we would win as we were up against some much larger organisations !” Says founder and CEO , Sue Appleby . “ To have our work recognised by these wonderful awards is a huge boost to our small team who work so hard . I hope the award will bring news of our work far and wide across the county , so we can provide arts access for children and families who are so often excluded from these experiences .” Discover more about the amazing work Embracing Arts does at www . embracingarts . org . uk .
KENT SUCCESS AS NESCAFÉ AZERA CHALLENGES YOUNG CREATIVES TO INSPIRE CHANGE THROUGH TIN ARTWORK
Five young creatives , including Esther Johnson , 26 , from Kent , have witnessed their artistic creations come to life through participating in the Nescafé Azera By Design campaign in collaboration with The Prince ’ s Trust .
Over the past nine years with By Design , numerous limited-edition designs crafted by emerging talents have graced Nescafé Azera containers , adding a dynamic dimension to their visual appeal . For the third year running , the competition was open to artists and designers of all levels who are supported by The Prince ’ s Trust .
This year ’ s theme prompted participants to reflect on the world around them and to consider ways to encourage individuals to take positive action . Whether it ’ s making a difference to the lives of others , their communities , or the planet .
Esther , who battled depression and anxiety during university , and following the decision to leave , found a job in a fabric shop where she crafted special gifts for loved ones , and created one of the five winning designs for the limited-edition tins which are available now in all major retailers .
Esther was introduced to The Prince ’ s Trust and , through their Enterprise Programme , opened her own business . This boosted Esther ’ s self-confidence after years of battling imposter syndrome and led to her entering the Nescafé Azera By Design competition .
With the brief of ‘ Make a Difference ’, Esther ’ s interpretation was to make a difference to someone ’ s day . “ Sunflowers and roses always make me smile , so I wanted to create a design that could make others smile . Becoming a Young Ambassador for The Prince ’ s Trust feels like a full circle moment . Being able to share my story and help other young people has been a valuable part of my journey ,” she said .
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