Youth Work Update – September 2025
Written by Kim Webster, Youth Education Executive
Kim Webster & Andy Watson
It’s been an incredibly busy and rewarding year so far for our Youth Team at Kenward Trust. Since March, through our Think Differently programme, we’ve spoken to approximately 4,000 students across Kent and Medway. With the new academic year approaching, our diaries are already filling up faster than ever before, we’re thrilled to see schools recognising the importance of this vital work.
Outreach in the Community
Over the summer holidays, we were active in Herne Bay, working alongside the council and local police to respond to anti-social behaviour in the town. We engaged directly with the young people involved, including those harming wildlife in the memorial park. On returning, we spoke with another 30 young people, some of whom remembered us from their school assemblies and were genuinely pleased to see us again. These ongoing conversations highlight how important it is to meet young people where they are both in schools and in the wider community.
Toby Winson
Welcoming Toby to the Team
We’re excited to introduce Toby as the newest member of our Youth Team. Toby is an ex-resident of Kenward Trust and is now nine years sober. At just 25 years old, Toby faced alcoholic liver disease and had lost all hope for the future. But through speaking openly about his addiction and recovery, he turned his life around.
Today, Toby is thriving as a News Editor at ITV News Meridian, a recovery blogger and speaker, and the recipient of multiple awards including ‘Breaking into News 2019’ and ITV News 'Newcomer of the Year 2022'.
Toby joins us officially as a Trustee from 1st September and will also be delivering our Think Differently assemblies in schools, alongside Andy and myself. We know from experience that hearing powerful, real-life stories makes a lasting impact—encouraging young people to stop, reflect, and make safer choices.
Sponsored School Assemblies
At our last charity ball, seven schools were generously sponsored to receive a Think Differently assembly. We have already delivered sessions at:
The Langton Grammer School For Boys
Tonbridge Grammar School
Oakwood Park Grammar
And we are excited to be booked for the remaining sponsored schools for the new academic year. For three of these schools, it was our very first visit, thanks to sponsorship, we were able to engage with students who might otherwise never have heard our message. Continued sponsorship is vital if we are to expand our reach and support even more young people across the county.
Launching Think Differently Junior
As concerning trends emerge around substance use among primary-age children, some as young as 10 years old. Reports show children experimenting with vaping, solvents, alcohol, and even cannabis.
That’s why we are proud to announce Think Differently Junior, a brand-new programme designed specifically for primary school students. With funds raised at the ball, we have been able to create this early intervention project, which will be rolled out in the new academic year. Prevention at this stage is critical, and we’re committed to equipping children with the knowledge and resilience they need before risky behaviours begin.
Kent Youth Team at the Scout Jamboree
On 5th August our Youth Team attended the Kent International Jamboree (KIJ) – The Festival of Scouting and Guiding!
The Think Differently Team
Every four years, over 6,000 Scouts and 1,700 leaders from across the UK and around the world gather for a week of adventure, learning, and community, and we’re proud to be part of it.
Our Think Differently team set up at the Kent Showground, Detling, engaging with young people and leaders about making wise choices around vaping, alcohol, and cannabis.
It’s been inspiring to see Scouts so engaged, some even recognised our team, calling out “Andy!” (and a quiet “oh, it’s Will’s mum too”). With a bit of creativity (and maybe some sweets), we had some amazing conversations.
Andy also delivered drug and alcohol training to Scout Leaders, helping strengthen the support network for young people navigating today’s challenges.
Looking Ahead
It’s been a year of growth, innovation, and impact. With your support, we’ll continue to reach even more young people, challenge stigma, and provide the tools they need to make healthier, safer choices.
Kenward Will Save Lives Ball - 7th March 2026
Join us for this special evening as we celebrate 30 years of life-changing youth work at Kenward Trust. For three decades, our Youth Services Team has been delivering vital intervention and prevention programmes in schools and communities across Kent, supporting young people to make safer and healthier choices around drugs and alcohol.