Kenward Trust’s Youth Services Team; John Shanley (Youth Manager), Andy Watson (Youth Outreach Worker), Kim Webster (Youth Education Executive) and Christy Bishop (Youth Team Administrator) are ‘buzzing’ after winning the Kent Charity Care Award 2023.

The award ceremony was held at the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel, on 21st September, with hundreds of attendees from well deserving Kent charities.

The dedicated Youth Services Team deliver incredible work in schools delivering early intervention programmes, community outreach and Think Differently; an alcohol and substance education programme for schools all over Kent and Medway. Their outreach work supports social issues in local pockets of Kent, helping families and local communities.

The Think Differently programme in schools uses real-life stories and experiences from individuals previously affected by alcohol or drugs, whether this is due to them losing a family member to them, or having a previous addiction. Their stories focus on thoughts, feelings, behaviours, underlying issues and how the choices they make can have an effect on their life, family and community around them and can make some young people more aware of substance misuse.

Only earlier this year, John Shanley received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sevenoaks District Awards Making it Happen, marking the 20 Year anniversary of his working for Kenward Trust, including 16 years as Sevenoaks Substance Misuse Outreach Worker.

“We are honoured and thrilled to have received this prestigious award and significant during our 55th year celebration of Kenward Trust saving lives, and creating new futures ; we know our programmes really engage with young people and enable them to think about their choices. Hopefully by winning this award it will highlight our work to fundraisers and we can save more young lives with Kim and Andy’s impactful stories and delivery in schools.” Penny Williams, CEO at Kenward Trust.

If you work at a school in Kent, and would like to book Kenward’s Youth Team’s invaluable talk, please contact us or visit our website.