Maidstone Street Reach service secures funding as more families struggle with cost of living

A vital outreach service supporting vulnerable people across Maidstone and Medway has secured funding to continue its work, as demand rises sharply from families hit by the cost-of-living crisis. 

Paula Da Silva and Dee Bonnett, Kenward Trust

Kenward Trust’s Street Reach service, which works with people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, is now supporting a growing number of local families who are struggling to cope financially - including households caring for disabled adults and children. 

The funding, enabled by a grant from BAE Systems’ Community Investment programme, will allow Street Reach to sustain and expand its frontline support over the next year. 

Demand rising across Maidstone and Medway

Street Reach workers say they are increasingly supporting people who have ever needed help before, but who are now falling into crisis due to rising living costs, reduced income and difficulties navigating benefits systems. 

Much of the demand involves disability-related support, where families are missing out on thousands of pounds they are legally entitled to - often due to complex application processes or long-standing errors. 

In one recent Maidstone case, Street Reach supported the family of a 68-year-old woman with severe disabilities and limited mental capacity, who had spent most of her adult life receiving only minimal disability support. 

After her long-term carer passed away, the family asked Street Reach for help. The team supported them to challenge a benefits decision that failed to recognise the woman’s mobility and care needs. Following a formal review, she was awarded enhanced-rate disability support, resulting in a significant increase in her weekly income, backdated payments, and further entitlement to Pension Credit. 

“This support has been completely life-changing,” said a member of the Street Reach team. “Without advocacy, this family would still be struggling on far less than they are entitled to.”

Advocating for people at breaking point

Street Reach is delivered by small specialist teams operating in Maidstone town centre and surrounding areas. Support ranges from emergency food and housing advice to intensive one-to-one advocacy around benefits, disability applications and access to essential services. 

Michael Bourne, Head of Resettlement at Kenward Trust, said: 

“We are seeing more and more local families reaching crisis point. The cost-of-living pressures and complexity of the benefits system are pushing people into real hardship. Street Reach exists to step in at that moment, to advocate, to guide, and to make sure people aren’t left behind. This funding means we can continue to provide that lifeline across Maidstone and Medway.”

Dave Banks, Site Director for BAE Systems’ Electronic Systems site in Rochester, said: 

“Financial hardship can have a negative impact on some of the most vulnerable people in the local area. Services like Kenward Trust's Street Reach provide vital, practical help for those in need, and we’re proud to support initiatives that makes a positive social impact in the communities in which we live and work.”

Kenward Trust says the funding ensures Street Reach can remain available to those most in need locally, at a time when pressures on households and public services continue to grow.