MP visits Kenward Trust’s latest Resettlement Accommodation
Penny Williams, CEO, welcomes Tom Tungendhat MP to Kenward Trust
On Wednesday 26 July, Tom Tungendhat, MP for Tonbridge & Malling and Minister of State for Security visited our most recently acquired Resettlement Accommodation, Pelican Court and met with our CEO, Penny Williams and Resettlement Operations Manager, Leanne Curtis.
Since Kenward Trust took over the facility and our In-house Estates Team completed its renovation earlier this year, ten happy residents have moved in. Visibly impressed, the MP remarked on the transformation he was witnessing since visiting some years ago and pledged tangible support to Kenward Trust in a number of areas which we will now follow up on.
Penny Williams, CEO, said, “It was a pleasure to welcome Tom Tungendhat to our resettlement home in Wateringbury, as this is Kenward’s first supported accommodation for those in recovery in his constituency. We are grateful for his interest and support for Kenward and its work with homeless and vulnerable people.”
One of the first residents to benefit from living at Pelican Court had this to say about their time with Kenward Trust;
“For me, it was like a miracle. I was in the lowest place of my life. My physical and mental health was non-existent. I used to pray for somewhere like Kenward.
It built my confidence, it helped me to remember who I am without taking substances, I see life in a different way and feel happy with my natural feelings and emotions which makes me excited for the future. I can think clearly and I'm focused. I have a very proactive attitude now with a positive outlook instead of always thinking negatively.
I learnt a lot about addiction and recovery and it's given me so much knowledge to hold. I felt supported and cared for which I really did need as I felt so alone. Being with other people that feel similar to you makes you feel really grateful for who is around helping you whilst helping each other.
I love it at Pelican; I feel so lucky to be in such a lovely place. I feel like I am at home. I love coming home at the end of the day which is worlds away from how I used to feel. I love the people I share the house with and I can honestly say I have no complaints. I feel safe and supported here by staff and my peers, we're like a little family.”
Another resident commented;
“Kenward kept me in sobriety, making it possible to make amends with my parents, sister, brother in law but most importantly, my daughters. I get calls and have a relationship with them now, which makes me feel happy and actually like I am their Dad again which definitely got lost during my chaotic life.
Pelican Court has given me somewhere safe, somewhere warm, somewhere to wash, somewhere to cook and actually somewhere to LIVE IN. All the things I didn't do whilst in addiction.”