Kenward Trust reaches 65,000 pupils through early intervention programme
Kenward Trust has reached a significant milestone, delivering its Think Differently early intervention programme to more than 65,000 pupils across schools to date.
Kim Webster, Youth Education Executive.
The programme focuses on substance misuse awareness, resilience and informed decision-making, and is delivered by people with lived experience. It aims to support young people before harmful behaviours take hold, empowering them to make positive choices for their future.
As demand from schools continues to grow, the Trust has begun developing Think Differently Junior, an evolving programme designed specifically for even younger age groups. This expansion responds directly to increasing concerns around early exposure to substances, peer pressure, and mental health challenges among children.
Funding raised through last year’s Kenward Trust Will Saves Lives Charity Ball played a vital role in enabling this next phase of work, helping to lay the foundations for Think Differently Junior. The Trust is now looking to build on that momentum to ensure the programme can reach even more schools and communities.
Penny Williams, CEO, Kenward Trust, said:
“Reaching 65,000 pupils is an incredible achievement, but it’s also a reminder of how much need there still is. Prevention works when it starts early and our responsibility is to keep adapting so young people get the right support at the right time.”
Penny Williams, CEO, Kenward Trust
Think Differently sessions are increasingly requested by schools seeking proactive, non-judgemental education around substance misuse and wellbeing. Feedback from educators highlights the value of honest conversations delivered in a relatable and age-appropriate way.
Kim Webster, from the Think Differently team, added:
“We’re seeing first-hand how powerful early intervention can be. Young people want to talk, ask questions and understand the consequences of choices before they face them in real life. Think Differently Junior allows us to meet them even earlier, in a way that’s supportive and empowering.”
The Trust is now calling on local businesses and supporters to help sustain and grow this vital work by supporting the Kenward Will Save Lives Ball 2026, which celebrates 30 years of youth work.
The event will take place on Saturday 7 March 2026 at the Mercure Hotel, Maidstone, raising essential funds to support prevention and youth outreach services across Kent and Medway.
Penny Williams added:
“Every ticket sold and every sponsorship secured helps us reach more young people before crisis hits. This is about creating safer futures, not just for individuals, but for entire communities.”