SEK News
August Updates
August is harvest time, a reminder that the seeds we plant today grow into tomorrow’s impact. In this edition, we share how the Social Impact Gateway is opening new doors for collaboration, unveil our annual conference plans, invite you to September’s networking event, where the Canterbury District Community Lottery will launch, and highlight fresh opportunities, from grant funding to inspiring new community garden projects.
Welcome to the Social Impact Gateway
The Social Impact Gateway (SIG) is your new route to connecting with businesses and statutory services committed to delivering social value in our communities. Through the SIG, Social Enterprise Kent will connect VCSE organisations with funding invested by corporate partners and large statutory bodies who need to add social value in their government-funded activities and want to have a real impact in our communities.
“The VCSE sector is under increasing pressure to do more with less. The Social Impact Gateway is about unlocking new, sustainable income streams so organisations can continue delivering the vital services our communities rely on. By creating the SIG, we’re committed to funding projects and strengthening the sector for the future.” – Rebecca Smith, CEO of Social Enterprise Kent
Whether you want to expand a project, pilot a new idea, or strengthen your capacity, the Gateway is here to open doors. Our team will make sure every connection is well-matched, impactful, and supported with clear reporting so you can focus on what you do best – making a difference.
Be part of the first wave of opportunities – register your interest here
Public Procurement Consultation – A Chance to Shape the Future (Source: gov.uk)
The proposals in this consultation build on the changes introduced in the Procurement Act 2023, aiming to ensure public procurement fully supports the Government’s industrial strategy and helps create a stronger, more resilient economy. The reforms are designed to boost British businesses, create good jobs in communities across the country, and open up greater opportunities for SMEs and VCSEs, both essential drivers of the UK economy.
By strengthening supply chains, increasing market access, and respecting the UK’s international trade commitments, these changes aim to make public procurement a powerful tool for advancing the national interest.
You can respond to this consultation here.
Government Consultation: Stronger Partnerships in Emergency Response (Source: Cabinet Office)
The UK Government is consulting on new rules to strengthen partnerships between emergency services (Category 1 responders, such as the police, fire, ambulance, local authorities, and NHS bodies) and voluntary, community, and faith organisations (VCSEF).
The proposal follows the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s recommendation that Category 1 responders should not only “consider” VCSEF organisations in their emergency planning but actively establish and maintain partnerships with them.
VCSEF organisations often bring vital skills, local knowledge, and strong community relationships that can make emergency response more inclusive and effective. The consultation seeks views on how these partnerships should work, the challenges involved, and alternative ways to improve collaboration.
Who should respond?
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VCSE and faith organisations of all sizes
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Category 1 and 2 responders
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Any group involved in community resilience, health, social services, environment, or emergency planning
- More info & respond here
Community Safety Alerts
Sources: Kent Trading Standards & Dover District Council
Staying alert is the first step in keeping our communities safe. Here are some of the latest warnings to be aware of:
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Courier Fraud – Criminals Impersonating Police Officers
Scammers are calling victims while pretending to be police officers, claiming to investigate fraud and asking them to hand over bank cards, PINs, cash, or valuables. They often send a “courier” to collect items directly from the victim’s home. Genuine police will never ask for money, bank details, or possessions in this way. -
Winter Heating Allowance Scam – Fraudulent texts claiming to be from the DWP include unofficial application links. Most people receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically, no form or link is needed.
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Doorstep Criminals – Rogue traders in Dartford have been offering home repairs at inflated prices and carrying out poor-quality work. Always use trusted, vetted traders.
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Illegal Animal Medicines – Counterfeit pet treatments are being sold online. Only buy from reputable suppliers to protect your animals’ health.
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Facebook Account Hack Scam – If you get an urgent money request from a friend’s account, double-check it’s genuine before responding, their account may have been hacked.
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Product Recalls – Villeroy & Boch children’s glasses and Lexmoto motorcycle brake parts have been recalled over safety concerns.
By staying informed and sharing these alerts with friends, family, and neighbours, we can help protect each other from harm.
Social Enterprise Kent Annual Conference 14th October 2025
Resilience – Thriving in Times of Change
Time: 10am – 3pm
Venue: The Pavilion, Harbour Street, Broadstairs, CT10 1EU
Change is coming at us faster than ever, and for the VCSE sector, resilience isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the foundation that keeps us going, adapting, and creating impact no matter the challenges.
That’s why this year’s Social Enterprise Kent’s Conference is dedicated to Resilience, how to build it, live it, and use it to make your organisation stronger than ever.
Join us for:
- Inspiring keynote speakers sharing real-world lessons from the front line of social change.
- Connections that count network with social entrepreneurs, charity leaders, and changemakers from across Kent & Medway over a sea-view lunch.
- Case studies from the Thanet Social Enterprise Boost programme.
- Looking ahead explore the future of social impact through the Social Impact Gateway.
Whether you’re part of a non-profit, an impact investor, a policymaker, or simply passionate about making communities better, this day is for you.
🎟 Book your ticket now: Social Enterprise Annual Conference – Social Enterprise Kent
Canterbury District Networking Morning | 3rd September
Launch of the Community Lottery & new training suite. Sign-up and share.
Kent Ride & Stride Fortieth Anniversary | 13th September
Walk or cycle across Kent to raise funds for historic churches. Home | Kent Churches Ride & Stride
Social Enterprise Kent Annual Conference 2025 | 14th October
Theme: Resilience: Thriving in Times of Change Featuring keynote speakers, networking lunch, case studies, and future sector opportunities. Book tickets here
The Big STEM Challenge | 30 September Deadline
There’s still time to take part in The Big STEM Challenge, with the deadline for entries now extended to 30 September 2025.
This exciting competition invites schools to showcase innovative projects in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, encouraging pupils to think creatively and solve real-world problems. Whether it’s designing an eco-friendly invention, building a working prototype, or developing a tech-based solution, the challenge is a fantastic opportunity for young minds to shine.
It’s about more than the competition; it’s about inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers, innovators, and change-makers.
Take a look at our SEK Schools programmes to see other projects that could help you plan ahead for the academic year:
SEK Schools – Social Enterprise Kent
Summer Green Projects Spotlight: Growing Together This Summer
This summer, Kent is blooming with community-led green projects that bring people together, teach new skills, and put fresh food on the table. From bustling gardens to inspiring greenhouse spaces, these initiatives are showing how nature can grow more than just plants, it grows friendships, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
Ashford Green Roots In Ashford, a brand-new community garden is bursting into life. Here, neighbours meet to dig, plant, and share their knowledge in a relaxed, friendly space. Every week, free “grow and share” sessions invite people of all ages to get involved and any extra produce from the garden is donated straight to the local food bank, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Wayfield Greenhouse Project – Chatham, Over in Medway, Natasha Steer from Creatabot Workshops has teamed up with the Paramount Foundation to launch the area’s very first community greenhouse. On Tuesday mornings, locals gather to sow seeds, swap tips, and nurture plants together. The Little Gardeners Club is a hit with children, giving them the joy of picking courgettes, watering flowers, and even helping to turn freshly harvested potatoes into a tasty shared lunch.
Both projects are part of the Green Social Prescribing movement, using nature-based activities to boost mental health, reduce isolation, and create welcoming spaces where everyone feels they belong. These gardens aren’t just about growing food, they’re about growing communities, and they’re doing it beautifully.
SEK Training | Learning That Works for You
Looking to upskill your team or refresh your own knowledge? Whether it’s Safeguarding, Health & Safety, Mental Health First Aid, First Aid, or flexible self-paced e-learning, we’ve got you covered.
We offer:
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Short online courses you can complete from anywhere
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Accredited qualifications that boost skills and confidence
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Tailored workshops to meet your organisation’s needs
All our courses are designed with the voluntary and community sector in mind, ensuring they are relevant, practical, and directly applicable to the challenges and opportunities you face.
We’re here to help you grow, learn, and make an even bigger impact in your community.
Call us: 01227 469970
Email: info@sekgroup.org.uk
Funding News
This month brings a variety of funding opportunities to help boost local projects and community initiatives. Here’s a round-up of what’s currently available:
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KCC Capital Grant for Sport | Funding for sports facilities, equipment, and infrastructure improvements. Grants of up to £5,000 available (average award ~£2,500). Deadline: 31 August 2025. KCC Capital Grant for Sport – ActiveKent
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‘AI for All’ Funding & Mentoring Programme | Grants and mentoring for UK projects developing inclusive, ethical AI solutions. AI For All Program | Grants up to £2,500 for UK Charities — The Different Foundation
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Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (Round 10) | Supports upgrades to improve efficiency in existing district or communal heat networks across England and Wales. Apply for the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) Round 10 – GOV.UK
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England’s Green Heat Network Fund (Round 10) | Capital funding for new low-carbon heating projects that help the UK transition to net zero. Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF): guidance on how to apply – GOV.UK
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Henry Smith Foundation | Domestic Abuse Fund | Funding for charities providing refuge, crisis support, and recovery services to survivors of domestic abuse. Domestic Abuse Fund – Henry Smith
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Vegan Society | Grants Programme | Small grants to support projects promoting veganism, sustainability, and animal welfare. Vegan Society Grants up to £10,000 – SAVS
We encourage you to apply early and share with others in your networks who might benefit.