Good News, Great Connections and Fresh Opportunities This October!
It’s been a busy and exciting month across Kent and Medway! From the fantastic response to our new Chatham Community Food Shop and a sold-out SEK conference to celebrating community achievements, there’s plenty of good news to share.
We’ve also rounded up the latest funding, training, events and opportunities from across the VCSE sector to help you stay connected, inspired and ready for what’s next.
Chatham’s New Community Food Shop Is Off to a Fantastic Start!
What a wonderful welcome we’ve had in Chatham!
Our new SEK Community Food Shop officially opened its doors at The Pentagon Shopping Centre on 5 October, and it’s been fantastic to see so many local residents popping in, exploring the shelves and making the most of affordable, good-quality food.
We kicked things off with a very special guest, Phil Gallagher, better known as Mister Maker, who joined us to cut the ribbon and celebrate the opening alongside our partners, volunteers and the local community.
The shop is open to everyone living in Medway, with no membership or referral needed. From everyday essentials to £1 bags of fresh fruit and vegetables, we’re helping make good food more affordable while giving surplus produce a new purpose.
And there’s more to the shop than food! It’s also a welcoming place where residents can connect with practical advice and support, whether that’s help with budgeting, energy bills, employment or other challenges.
We were also thrilled to see the opening featured on BBC News, and other local news outlets, helping us share this exciting new chapter with an even wider audience.
A huge thank you to Medway Council, our brilliant volunteers, partners and everyone who helped bring the shop to life. We’re so pleased to be part of the Chatham community, and what a start it’s been!
Come and see us!
Units 66–67, First Floor
The Pentagon Shopping Centre
Chatham, ME4 4HY
Units 66–67, First Floor
The Pentagon Shopping Centre
Chatham, ME4 4HY
Social Value in Action 2026: Sold Out and Ready to Inspire!
The excitement is building for our Social Value in Action Conference on 5 November, and we’re delighted to announce that all tickets have now sold out!
This year’s conference, Building Stronger Places Through Partnership, Innovation and Impact, will bring together leaders and changemakers from across the VCSE, public and private sectors to explore how we can turn social value commitments into meaningful, lasting change for our communities.
From building stronger partnerships and exploring social investment to measuring impact and embracing innovation and AI, the day promises fresh perspectives, practical insights and plenty of opportunities to connect.
It’s fantastic to see such strong interest, and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone who’s secured a place.
Missed out on tickets this year?
We’ll start sharing details of our 2027 conference in January, so keep an eye out for announcements and ticket releases. With places in such high demand, it’s worth getting in early!
A big thank you to everyone supporting this year’s event. We can’t wait to see the conversations, connections and ideas that come out of the day.
SEK Film Named Finalist at International Sustainability Film Festival
We’ve got some great news to share! A film produced as part of SEK’s Cancer Smart work has been selected as a finalist in the 2026 Big Syn International Film Festival in London.
The festival celebrates films that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, recognising storytelling that can inspire positive social and environmental change.
The film was created in partnership with Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance, with Benjamin Film and Photography (Ben Bowles), helping raise awareness through accessible, engaging film.
Selected finalist films will be screened during the festival from 16th to 25th October, with the Gala Awards taking place in London on 6 November 2026, when winners and special mentions will be announced.
We’re pleased to see this important work recognised on an international stage and grateful to everyone involved in bringing the film to life.
> Watch our finalist film on YouTube
Looking to grow your organisation, develop your team or build new skills? Explore our latest business support and training opportunities.
Reflect. Progress. Succeed.
Ready to take your business to the next stage? Our business support programme helps eligible established businesses and trading social enterprises across Kent and Medway review their progress, identify opportunities and plan for sustainable growth.
Eligibility includes: Established trading history, at least £250,000 turnover and ambitions to grow.
Kent AI Skills Accelerator (KASA)
Build your confidence with AI through funded, City & Guilds Assured training. Explore practical AI Prompt Engineering and AI Governance & Ethics through flexible online learning, workshops and supporting resources.
Designed for eligible Kent organisations, with no previous AI experience required.
Big Ideas, Young Talent and Exciting Opportunities This Autumn
There’s plenty happening across SEK Schools this autumn, with opportunities for young writers, budding chefs and environmentally minded schools to get involved.
Judging for the Green School Awards took place this week, recognising the schools and young people making a positive difference to the environment.
Meanwhile, two of our popular competitions are open for entries:
Big Writing Challenge
Young writers are invited to explore this year’s theme, The Power of Kindness.
Deadline: 31 December 2026.
Young Cooks
A chance for young people with a passion for food and cooking to show off their creativity and skills.
Deadline: 31 January 2027.
We’d love VCSE organisations, community groups and partners to help spread the word to schools, families and young people across Kent and Medway.
> Explore SEK Schools programmes and find out how to enter
Help Inspire the Next Generation: SEK Schools Sponsorship Opportunities
Could a business in your network help create new opportunities for children and young people?
We’re inviting businesses across Kent and Medway to get involved as partners and sponsors of the Big Writing Challenge, Young Cooks and Big STEM Challenge.
These programmes give young people opportunities to develop confidence, creativity and practical skills, while offering businesses a meaningful way to support their local communities.
If you work with local businesses or know an organisation that might be interested, we’d be grateful if you could help share the opportunity or make an introduction.
Community and Wellbeing
Give Indoor Disc Golf a Go in Thanet!
Looking for a fun way to get moving, try something new and meet people?
Indoor disc golf combines the challenge of golf with the fun of throwing a flying disc. Instead of clubs and balls, players aim their discs at targets, working their way around the course in as few throws as possible.
It’s easy to pick up, suitable for different abilities and a great way to enjoy some friendly competition.
Sessions are taking place at two venues in Thanet.
Hartsdown Leisure CentreMondays: 6pm to 7pm Hartsdown Road, Margate, CT9 5QX Tel: 0333 366 0661 Book online, via the LiveBetter app or enquire about dropping in. |
KIX ArenaSaturdays: 11am to 12pm Whitehall Industrial Estate, Whitehall Road, Ramsgate, CT12 6BU Cost: £5 per person or £15 for a family of up to four, subject to confirmation. |
For more information and other ways to get active, visit Everyday Active Kent.
Meet the Funders 2026: Connect With Funding Organisations
Friday 23 October 2026 | 9.45am to 3pm | Three Hills Sports Park, Folkestone
Looking for funding to support your organisation’s next project?
Meet the Funders 2026 offers VCSE organisations the opportunity to speak directly with representatives from local and national funding bodies, explore available funding streams and arrange one-to-one conversations.
Places are limited to two attendees per organisation and booking closes at midday on Tuesday 20 October 2026.
> Book your place on Eventbrite
Digital Marketing That Works: Free Workshop
Tuesday 24 November 2026 | 10am to 12pm | Maidstone or online
Want to get more from your organisation’s digital marketing?
Kent & Medway Growth Hub is hosting a free, practical workshop at The Business Terrace in Maidstone, with online attendance also available.
Led by Paul Temple from Maidstone Digital, the session will cover websites, SEO, social media, AI and changing search habits, sharing practical ideas that organisations can put into action.
Red Rebel Futures: Free DJ Training for Young People in Thanet
A new creative opportunity is opening up for female, non-binary and trans young adults aged 18 to 25 in Thanet.
Margate’s Red Rebel FM is launching Red Rebel Futures, offering free DJ training, access to equipment, mentoring and wellbeing support.
Participants will have the chance to develop their skills and confidence before taking part in a live showcase and Red Rebel FM broadcast next year.
The programme is funded by Youth Music and Beatport following Red Rebel FM’s 2026 Trailblazer Award win.
Applications close: 1 November 2026.
> Find out more from Red Rebel FM
Neurodivergent Coffee Morning in Ramsgate
Friday 23 October 2026 | 10am to 12pm
Looking for a friendly space to meet others, have a chat and enjoy a cuppa?
Neurodivergent Friends in Thanet is hosting a free coffee morning for neurodivergent adults, facilitated by people with lived experience.
The gathering offers a relaxed and welcoming environment to connect with others.
Venue: The House Hotel, Albion Place, Ramsgate, CT11 8HQ.
UK Social Enterprise Awards 2026: All Together Now
Thursday 12 November 2026 | New Century Hall, Manchester
The UK Social Enterprise Awards are heading to Manchester this November, bringing together social enterprises from across the country to celebrate the people and organisations creating positive change.
Co-produced by Social Enterprise UK and Co-operatives UK, the event will be held outside London for the first time, with an evening of awards, entertainment and networking.
Social Enterprise UK members can save 50% on the full ticket price.
SEK is also proud to be among this year’s finalists in the Community-Based Social Enterprise of the Year category.
> Find out more and book your place
Connect With Respect: Expressions of Interest Open in Margate
A new eight-week programme supporting girls aged 7 to 13 is being developed in Margate.
Connect With Respect will offer weekly 90-minute sessions, with the first group starting once enough registrations have been received.
Parents and carers can now register their interest.
Get Creative by the Coast
Fancy trying something creative while meeting new people?
Artist and mosaic teacher Vanessa Clark, known as The House of Stickyness, is offering creative experiences around Folkestone, Sandgate and Hythe.
With a focus on connection, creativity and giving materials a new lease of life, upcoming activities include a Spooky Mosaic Experience on 31 October and a Coastal Christmas Creative Experience on 29 November.
Private group sessions and Christmas team activities are also available.
> Find out more and view upcoming workshops
Help Shape Future NHS Diet and Mental Health Support
Researchers are inviting people aged 14 and over to share their experiences and preferences around diet-related support for mental health and wellbeing.
The survey explores what kind of help people might find most useful when making changes to their diet, including those experiencing stress, low mood, anxiety, sleep difficulties or neurodevelopmental and behavioural conditions.
The findings will help inform future approaches to diet-focused NHS support.
Time needed: Approximately 15 minutes.
> Take part and help shape the future of care
Help CoomberSewell Training CIC Shape Its Future
CoomberSewell Training CIC would love to hear from people who know or support its work.
The organisation has launched a short 15-question survey to understand its audience better, improve how it communicates and help shape its future plans.
It takes around four minutes to complete, and participants will be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 Amazon voucher.
Explore the latest funding opportunities for charities, community groups and social enterprises across Kent and beyond.
Pathways to Work Innovation Fund
Deadline: 26 October 2026
The fund will invest up to £60 million over two years to test innovative approaches supporting disabled people and those with long-term health conditions into employment and career progression.
Open to VCSE organisations, businesses, public sector bodies and partnerships across the UK, with particular interest in new approaches and technology.
Police Property Act Fund
Deadline: 30 October 2026, 5pm
Eligible small charities, CICs, social enterprises and community groups can apply for grants of up to £2,000 for projects supporting children and young people affected by crime, anti-social behaviour or vulnerability.
Organisations must have an annual income of £100,000 or less.
Gibbons Family Trust: Grants for Young People in Thanet
Next deadline: 31 October 2026
Grants are available to support the care, education and welfare of children and young people aged up to 25 living in Thanet.
Local charities and not-for-profit groups can apply. Some exclusions apply, and trustees consider applications approximately every eight weeks.
Ramsgate Pride in Place Community Action Grant
Deadline: 15 November 2026, 11.59pm
Have an idea that could make a visible difference in Ramsgate?
With £150,000 available, the grant programme supports locally led projects that benefit residents, strengthen community activity and contribute to Ramsgate’s development as a year-round destination.
Eligible applicants can seek grants of up to £10,000 or £15,000, depending on the funding category.
Projects must contribute to at least one of the local Pride in Place priorities: Open It Up, Clean It Up, Light It Up, Raise It Up or Join It Up.
Applications are welcomed from VCSE organisations, CICs, charities, community groups and eligible small businesses, sole traders and freelancers.
Esmée Fairbairn Communities and Collections Fund
Next Expression of Interest deadline: 20 January 2027
Grants of £50,000 to £110,000 over up to three years are available to eligible museums and galleries working with communities to advance inclusion, social justice and climate justice.
Projects involving partnerships with community organisations are encouraged, alongside proposals supporting longer-term organisational change.
Applicants are encouraged to contact the fund team before submitting an Expression of Interest.
Looking for your next opportunity in the VCSE sector? Explore roles available across Kent.
Children & Young People’s Service Manager
SATEDA | Sittingbourne and across Kent
£30,000 to £34,000 | 37 hours | Permanent
Lead and develop specialist services for children and young people affected by domestic abuse, managing a team and strengthening partnerships across Swale and Maidstone.
This post is restricted to women under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
Closing date: 26 October 2026, 5pm.
Smoke Free Champion
The Forward Trust | East Kent
£26,000 | 12-month fixed-term contract
Help people accessing community drug and alcohol services improve their health through smoking cessation advice and appropriate interventions.
Closing date: 30 October 2026.
Retail Supervisor
Pilgrims Hospices | Whitstable
£4,720 per annum (£12.93 per hour) | 7 hours per week | Permanent
Support the day-to-day running of the Whitstable General Store, including stock management, merchandising and volunteer support.
Closing date: 3 November 2026.
New Opportunities With Hands of Hope
Hands of Hope | Hawkhurst
Hands of Hope is preparing to recruit eight new roles as it expands its work at Hope Farm Community Garden.
Supported by The National Lottery Community Fund and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the charity is developing its Hope Farm Initiative and Dig for Victory: Stories, Skills and Sustainable Food Heritage programme.
Stay Connected
Have Something to Share With Kent and Medway’s VCSE Community?
We’d love to hear what’s happening in your organisation.
Whether you’re celebrating a community achievement, launching a project, recruiting volunteers or sharing an event, funding opportunity or vacancy, help us spread the word.
Email your updates to marketing@sekgroup.org.uk for consideration in a future edition.
You can also subscribe to the SEK VCSE Newsletter to receive future updates.