Kenward Trust celebrates a decade of expansion to transform lives and create new futures
Kenward Trust is marking a major milestone, as CEO Penny Williams celebrates 10 years with the charity based in Yalding Kent. Leading a decade of transformation, significantly expanding addiction recovery and life-changing services in a safe, supportive, and professional environment.
Penny joined in 2016 and became CEO in 2018. At this time, the charity faced financial pressures, underutilised assets and limited capacity. Here, leadership has seen a turnaround and today the charity is stronger and more sustainable than ever. Over the past decade, Kenward Trust has undergone huge growth and development, including;
Residential Rehabilitation is growing from supporting just 9 residents in treatment to operating at full capacity with 42 residents. Kenward offers enhanced therapeutic services from EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), psychology support and ADHD pathways partnership with Sinclair Associates.
Penny Williams, CEO, Kenward Trust.
Resettlement programmes have been expanded, offering more supported accommodation and providing a safe home to individuals on the journey of recovery.
Think Differently, Kenward’s award-winning educational programme for schools, has delivered increased vital support to Kent and Medway’s youth, helping them to Think Differently about alcohol and substance misuse.
The Street Reach service has also been developed, giving additional support to the homeless in Maidstone.
The beautiful grounds and stunning Georgian house at Kenward’s head office in Yalding have been the base for the charity's growing commercial arm, Kenward Place. Conference rooms, a café, walking with alpacas and goats, disc golf, archery and beekeeping are among the experiences on offer.
Kenward’s progress was recognised in 2023 when Kenward Trust was named Care Charity of the Year at the Kent Charity Awards, reflecting its growing impact and unwavering commitment to transforming lives.
Alongside her CEO role, Penny is also the current Chair of Choices Rehabs, a group of 24 independent residential rehabs. Choices has been campaigning nationally for more sustainable funding for the sector, better pathways for treatment, and reducing the postcode lottery for access to residential rehab.
Looking ahead, Kenward Trust is focused on expanding its recovery and resettlement services, strengthening partnerships, and reaching more people through early intervention and prevention programmes, particularly in schools.
Penny Williams, CEO of Kenward Trust, said:
“Over the past ten years, we’ve transformed not just the organisation, but the lives of the people we support. From just 9 residents to a full and thriving community of 42 in residential rehab and a further 63 in Resettlement, every step forward represents hope, recovery and a second chance.
I’m incredibly proud of our team and what we’ve achieved together, and we remain committed to growing our services so we can support even more people in the future.”