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STANNAH’ S DARTFORD TEAM RAISE £ 2,350 FOR WE ARE BEAMS
IMAGO COMMUNITY NAMED KENT CHARITY OF THE YEAR 2026
Charities from across Kent gathered to celebrate the 2026 Kent Charity Awards, recognising the vital work of charities and their volunteers, and the difference they make to communities across the county.
Imago Community has been named Kent Charity of the Year, recognising its significant impact on the lives of thousands of people across the county.
In the last year alone, Imago supported 19,864 children, young people, adults and their families across Kent, helping people improve their wellbeing, reduce loneliness and isolation, and develop the confidence and resilience needed to live independently.
Through its vision of‘ creating change together’, Imago delivers a diverse range of services that support carers, disabled children, older people and vulnerable residents, ensuring they can access practical help, social connections and opportunities to thrive within their communities.
“ We’ re so thrilled to have been named Kent Charity of the Year,” said director of developments, Louise Griffiths.“ For us, this award is a wonderful reflection of the commitment, compassion and hard work of our brilliant staff and volunteer team, who go above and beyond every day to support some of the most vulnerable in our communities and help create positive change.”
The Dartford service branch for Stannah Lifts Distribution and Service has taken on the company’ s 4,000-mile charity cycling challenge, raising £ 1,350 for their chosen charity, We Are Beams, which provides respite care and support services for children and their families. With Stannah match funding, this brings the total to £ 2,350.
More than 700 colleagues across 11 service branches are collectively cycling one full lap of Britain by clocking up the miles on an indoor exercise bike that travels between each location. The 4,000-mile challenge is the equivalent of 1.28 million lift journeys, keeping Britain moving in more ways than one.
Colleagues at the Dartford branch have cycled 704.10 miles, surpassing the 370-mile target and bringing the total mileage count to an incredible 5,067.88 miles.
“ In the branch, many of us have children and it’ s easy to take for granted the simple things they can enjoy every day,” said office manager, Chris Dyer.“ When we visited the charity, we heard about a teenager who had never experienced a swing before because there wasn’ t an accessible one available to them. That changed when they visited We Are Beams and had the opportunity to use their fully accessible swing for the first time. We want to help them continue making a real difference to the lives of children, young people and their families.”
HUSH OPENS BRAND-NEW STORE AT BLUEWATER SHOPPING CENTRE
Hush, the premium women’ s fashion and lifestyle brand, has opened its first store at Bluewater Shopping Centre.
The opening marks a significant milestone for the womenswear brand as it continues to expand its retail presence across the UK. Reflecting the growing customer demand for in-person shopping experiences alongside online convenience, the new store forms part of Hush’ s long-term strategy to bring the brand closer to customers. The Bluewater opening is the first of three new Hush stores launching this autumn, with Guildford and Marlow set to follow.
Founded in London in 2003 by Australian Mandy Watkins, Hush is known for its intentionally relaxed ethos, curating a modern wardrobe designed to feel effortless, considered and easy to wear. The store has been designed to bring that proposition to life: a warm, welcoming space where customers can explore the collection at their own pace and connect with the fit, fabrics, quality and styling that define the brand.
Located within one of the UK’ s leading shopping destinations, the Bluewater store will provide customers from across Kent with the opportunity to shop Hush in person for the first time.
The store will showcase Hush’ s full collection across clothing, knitwear, outerwear, denim, accessories and footwear. Alongside new arrivals and signature bestsellers, customers will be able to access styling guidance and outfit inspiration, creating a more personal shopping experience that complements the convenience and breadth of the online offer.
www. insidekent. co. uk • 225