Kent Community Training Launches New Social Enterprise — In Partnership with Kenward Trust — Empowering Vulnerable Individuals Across Kent
Kent Community Training (KCT), co-founded by Lee Webster and Emma Doyle, is a new social enterprise dedicated to helping people from all walks of life — including those facing mental health challenges, unemployment, rehabilitation, and other life transitions — to gain practical skills, rebuild confidence, and reintegrate into the community and workforce. Built on a shared vision of inclusivity, empowerment, and opportunity for all, KCT will provide accessible, hands-on training to support men and women, young people, older individuals, and those with additional needs across Kent.
Lee continues to run his successful business, KCT Timber and Fencing in Wateringbury, alongside launching this community-focused initiative with Emma Doyle.
Kenward Trust, a long-standing and reputable alcohol and drugs rehabilitation centre, in neighbouring Yalding, are proud to announce they are uniting their efforts to support vulnerable individuals and those in rehabilitation across Kent with this new training facility.
This strategic collaboration merges KCT’s expertise in skills training and career development with Kenward Trust’s decades of experience in addiction rehabilitation and community support. The partnership will enhance services and create expanded opportunities for people in need—helping them rebuild their lives through education, employment, and community reintegration. By partnering, the two organisations will bridge the gap between rehabilitation and skills training, ensuring that people in recovery can seamlessly transition into learning new skills and accessing job opportunities.
Penny Williams, CEO of Kenward Trust says, “As part of their recovery journey, resettlement residents work to rebuild their lives and become ‘work-ready’. Kenward Trust are very excited to be working together with Kent Community Training to help residents retrain and rebuild their confidence and lives.
“This partnership means we can offer a more holistic journey of care,” explained Beverely Swan, Director of Kent Community Training. “Someone who comes to Kenward Trust to overcome addiction can progress directly into our training programmes when they’re ready, gaining qualifications and confidence that open doors to employment. By working hand-in-hand, we’re breaking down barriers and giving vulnerable people in Kent a real chance to build stable, fulfilling lives.”
Key stakeholders from both organisations emphasize the positive change this initiative will bring. Penny Williams, Chief Executive of Kenward Trust, commented: “We have seen countless individuals transform their lives through rehabilitation, but sustaining that success requires opportunity. Partnering with Kent Community Training allows us to extend our support beyond recovery—into education, skill-building and ultimately into the workplace. Together, we’re not only changing individual lives; we’re strengthening families and communities across Kent. This collaboration is about hope, dignity, and the power of a supportive community to help people thrive.”
To showcase the enhanced services and opportunities this partnership will offer, Kent Community Training is hosting an Open Day event on Thursday, 10 April 2025 at 2:00 PM. The event will be held at the Kent Community Training Centre (165 Bow Road, Wateringbury, Kent) and will bring together trusts, charities, social enterprises, business leaders, and community members. Attendees will have the chance to tour the training facilities, learn about KCT’s programs, and hear success stories from individuals who have transformed their lives with support from KCT and Kenward Trust.
Press and media representatives are warmly invited to attend to learn more about this initiative and witness its impact first-hand. Please reserve a complimentary media ticket via Eventbrite Kent Community Training Open Day Tickets, Thu 10 Apr 2025 at 14:00 | Eventbrite