Kenward Trust Marks 30 Years of Youth Services and 10 Years of Think Differently
Kenward Trust Celebrates 30 Years of Youth Services and 10 Years of Think Differently with Kenwards Will Change Lives Charity Ball
Kenward Trust is marking two major milestones in 2026 as it celebrates 30 years of life-changing youth services and 10 years of its award-winning Think Differently education programme, with a special fundraising event, the Will Change Lives Youth Charity Ball, taking place on Saturday 7 March 2026, at the Mercure Hotel, Great Danes Maidstone.
For three decades, Kenward Trust Youth Services has supported young people across Kent and Medway through substance misuse education, early intervention and outreach work in schools and communities. From its early days operating the much-loved Grey Zebra bus to the development of the highly respected Think Differently programme, the service has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of young people and families.
Over the last 30 years, the Youth Services team has delivered a wide range of programmes including:
· Detached youth outreach across communities
· School-based education in secondary and junior schools
· Safety in Action workshops
· Parent awareness talks and training
· Drug and alcohol awareness training
· One-to-one and small group intervention sessions
· The Drug Intervention Support Programme
· Peer Mentoring programme
· Scout Troop Workshops
· Community and event outreach
In 2016, Kenward Trust launched Think Differently, a bespoke education programme designed to help young people understand the risks around drugs and alcohol, build resilience and make informed choices. Now in its tenth year, the programme has reached more than 65,000 pupils across Kent and Medway and continues to grow in response to increasing demand from schools.
With substance trends constantly changing, the need for effective prevention has never been greater. In recent years, Kent and Medway have seen growing concern around ketamine misuse among young people, highlighting the importance of early, honest education. Programmes like Think Differently play a vital role in helping young people understand risks, build resilience and make safer choices before harm occurs.
The Will Change Lives Youth Charity Ball will celebrate these achievements while raising vital funds to support prevention, outreach and education services for the next generation.
John Shanley, Head of Enterprises and Youth Services.
Penny Williams, CEO, Kenward Trust.
Penny Williams, CEO of Kenward Trust, said:
“Reaching 30 years of youth services and 10 years of Think Differently is an incredible achievement and a testament to the dedication of our team and supporters. Our work has helped thousands of young people make safer choices and avoid crisis. This celebration is not just about looking back, but about ensuring we can continue protecting young people for many years to come.”
The black-tie evening will feature dining, entertainment, dancing and a charity auction, with all proceeds supporting Kenward Trust’s youth prevention and early intervention programmes across Kent and Medway.
The Trust is inviting supporters, businesses and members of the community to attend the event, donate auction prizes or get involved in supporting this vital work.
Event details:
Date: Saturday 7 March 2026
Time: 7:00 pm – 12:00 am
Venue: Mercure Hotel, Great Danes Maidstone, Ashford Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1RE
Dress code: Black tie and sparkles
Tickets and event information:
https://kenwardtrust.org.uk/events-booking/p/kenward-will-change-lives-ball-pre-sale
For media enquiries, prize donations or further information, please contact:
rhian.hopkins@kenwardtrust.org.uk