Welcome to this month’s VCSE Newsletter.
This edition brings together news, opportunities and practical updates from across Kent and Medway. It’s a packed issue, with plenty of ways to get involved, find support and connect with what’s happening across the sector.
SEK VCSE News
Social Enterprise Kent Shortlisted for Kent Housing Group Excellence Award 2026
Social Enterprise Kent and Town & Country Housing are delighted to have been shortlisted for a Kent Housing Group Excellence Award 2026 in the Excellent Community Project category for their Community Capacity Building Training Programme.
The programme was also considered within the Excellent Partnership category and secured a place on the shortlist amongst strong competition from organisations across Kent and Medway.
Developed through a successful partnership between the two organisations, the Community Capacity Building Training Programme helps VCSE organisations, community groups and residents build skills, confidence and capacity through practical training, resources and support. The programme aims to strengthen local organisations and contribute to more resilient and connected communities.
The winners will be announced at the Kent Housing Group Excellence Awards ceremony in September. We wish all shortlisted organisations the very best of luck.
> FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR VCSE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Help Shape Health Research in Kent and Medway
Local communities have an important role to play in shaping the future of health and care research across Kent and Medway.
The Community Research Engagement Network (CREN) is working to increase participation in health research, particularly within coastal and underserved communities, where involvement has traditionally been lower than the national average. Through CREN, residents, community groups and organisations can contribute their experiences, identify barriers to participation and help ensure that future research reflects the needs and priorities of local people.
Getting involved can help create more inclusive research, improve health outcomes and ensure that the voices of Kent and Medway communities are heard.
> FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CURRENT RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
Ref: Community Research Engagement Network
Celebrating Education Excellence and Inspiring Future Innovation
May was a memorable month for the Social Enterprise Kent Schools Team as we proudly hosted the Kent Education Awards 2026, celebrating the outstanding individuals who make a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people across Kent and Medway.
The awards recognised the dedication, passion and commitment of headteachers, teachers, teaching assistants, college lecturers, volunteers, residential staff and site managers who go above and beyond to support learners and strengthen their communities.
Looking ahead, schools are invited to take part in this year’s Green School Awards and Big STEM Challenge, showcasing environmental action, creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills across the county.
> FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SEK SCHOOLS PROGRAMMES
Sector News and Events
Social enterprises create nearly 8,000 jobs through corporate supply chains
Social Enterprise UK has shared a brilliant update on the impact of the Buy Social Corporate Challenge, which has now helped create nearly 8,000 jobs through corporate spending with social enterprises.
The programme brings together major businesses committed to buying from social enterprises, showing the power of procurement to create real social impact. Since 2016, corporate partners have spent £864 million with social enterprise suppliers, including £209 million in the last year alone.
Highlights from the article
- Nearly 8,000 jobs created through social enterprise supply chains
- £864 million spent with social enterprises since 2016
- More than 2,500 social enterprise suppliers supported
- 36 major businesses involved in the Buy Social Corporate Challenge
- Many jobs created for people facing barriers to employment
SEK is proud to be a member of Social Enterprise UK, to have been recognised through the UK Social Enterprise Awards, and to be part of a growing movement proving that business can be a force for good.
> Read the full article from Social Enterprise UK
Social Enterprise Kent is pleased to announce that its annual Social Enterprise Conference will take place on Thursday 5 November 2026.
The conference brings together social enterprises, charities, community organisations, public sector partners and businesses to explore key issues affecting the VCSE sector, share learning and celebrate innovation across Kent and Medway.
Further details, including speakers, themes and booking information, will be shared in next month’s VCSE Newsletter.
SAVE THE DATE: 5th November 2026
Kent Business Awards 2026 Open for Applications
The Kent Business Awards celebrate the organisations and individuals making a positive impact across the county, recognising innovation, growth and success across a wide range of sectors.
- Register your interest
- Complete the online application
- Submit by 5pm on Thursday 15 October 2026
CFG Small Charity Survey 2026
Charity Finance Group is inviting small charities to complete its 2026 Small Charity Survey to help build a clearer picture of the challenges facing the sector and inform future advocacy and support.
Mapping and Understanding the UK Civil Society Sector
A new report from the UK Third and Civil Society Sector Database provides one of the most comprehensive pictures of the UK’s civil society sector to date.
Seaside CEO events
Thursday 25 June | 5pm–7pm
Royal Temple Yacht Club, 6, Westcliff Mansions, Ramsgate, CT11 9HY
On the back of a successful launch of Seaside CEO profiling small business owners from across the Thanet coast, Ramsgate resident and small business champion, Emma Jones, is hosting a series of monthly Seaside CEO events for start-ups and growing founders.
Hear from creative entrepreneurs on how they started and scaled, meet fellow business owners and connect with trusted advisers. Booking is required.
CEO SleepWalk Thames Moonlight 10
On 11 September, business leaders and supporters will take part in the CEO SleepWalk Thames Moonlight 10, a 10-mile overnight walk through London.
- Teams and groups welcome
- Fundraising target of £2,000+
- Support frontline homelessness charities
Digital Help and Safety Awareness Day
Friday 10 July | 10.30am–4pm
The Gap Project, Queens Road Baptist Church, Queens Road, Broadstairs, CT10 1NU
Members of the community are invited to attend the upcoming Digital Help and Safety Awareness Day, providing practical guidance on digital skills, online safety and accessing support in an increasingly digital world.
The Great Get Together Community Picnic
Sunday 21 June | 3pm–4.30pm
Sunken Garden, Royal Esplanade, Westbrook, Margate, CT9 5EJ
Inspired by Jo Cox’s belief that we have more in common than that which divides us, the Sunken Garden community invites local residents to come together for a relaxed Community Picnic on the longest day of the year.
Bring a picnic rug or chair, along with your favourite drinks and snacks, and enjoy an afternoon celebrating community, connection and friendship in the beautiful surroundings of the Sunken Garden.
Everyone is welcome to join this special community gathering.
For more details, please contact Jenny Duff at events@thesunkengarden.co.uk.
Discover Disc Golf in Thanet
Looking for a new way to get active, enjoy the outdoors and connect with others? Disc golf has arrived in Thanet, offering a fun and accessible activity for adults of all abilities.
Combining the best elements of golf, walking and friendly competition, players throw specially designed discs towards target baskets, aiming to complete each hole in the fewest throws possible. Easy to learn and enjoyable for beginners and experienced players alike, disc golf is a great way to improve wellbeing while meeting new people.
Weekly Disc Golf Sessions
Thursdays | 6.30pm – 8.30pm
June, July and August
Open to adults aged 18+
No experience is required – simply bring comfortable clothing, refreshments and a willingness to try something new.
For further information, contact Tamara Campbell at t.campbell@sekgroup.org.uk or call 07311 821413.
A Clearer Vision for Arts and Culture Funding
Arts Council England has launched a new strategic framework to guide its work while a longer-term strategy is developed.
The framework sets out three clear priorities for the future of arts and culture in England:
Support Excellence
Deliver for Everybody
Reach Everywhere
The aim is to make Arts Council England’s direction easier to understand, more accessible and more relevant to the organisations, artists and communities it supports.
Funding for Local Environmental Projects
Grants of up to £6,000 are available for community-led environmental projects across Kent and Medway.
New Funding for Parenting Support Organisations
The Henry Smith Foundation has launched a new fund supporting organisations that help parents provide young children with the best possible start in life.
Expressions of Interest close on 1 July 2026.
Grocers’ Charity Small Grants Programme
The Grocers’ Charity is offering one-off grants of up to £5,000 for UK registered charities with annual incomes below £500,000.
Kent County Council Inside Track
Inside Track, produced by Kent County Council, contains the latest information on national, regional and local sources of funding for the voluntary and community sector and businesses.
> VIEW THE LATEST EDITION HERE
Join the Team at Social Enterprise Kent
Social Enterprise Kent continues to expand its employability services across Kent, helping people overcome barriers to employment, develop new skills and access opportunities that support long-term success.
We are currently recruiting for:
- Integration & Engagement Coordinators
- Employment Advisors
- Community Projects Officer
These rewarding roles offer the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives while supporting stronger, more resilient communities across Kent.
Application Deadline: 30 June 2026
> VIEW CURRENT VACANCIES AT SOCIAL ENTERPRISE KENT
Head of Corporate Fundraising – Royal British Veterans
Location: Aylesford
Salary: Up to £55,000 plus car allowance
Closing Date: 30 June 2026
Ref: Royal British Veterans
Celebrating Volunteers’ Week 2026
During Volunteers’ Week, Social Enterprise Kent was delighted to celebrate the incredible contribution of our volunteers at special events held in Ramsgate and Ashford.
Volunteers are at the heart of so many of our projects and activities, generously giving their time, skills and energy to support local communities across Kent. Their dedication helps us make a positive difference to the lives of others and strengthens the impact of our work every day.
The celebration events provided an opportunity to thank our volunteers, recognise their achievements and spend time together reflecting on the difference they make. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment, enthusiasm and willingness to help others.
To all of our volunteers – thank you. Your support, kindness and community spirit are truly valued, and we couldn’t do what we do without you.
Interested in Volunteering?
Whether you’re looking to give back to your community, gain new skills, meet new people or support a cause you care about, there are a wide range of volunteering opportunities available across Kent.
Visit our volunteering platform to explore current opportunities and register as a volunteer today.
> FIND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Stay Connected
Stay up to date with the latest news, funding opportunities, events and sector developments from across Kent and Medway’s VCSE community.
We’ll continue to share opportunities, insights and resources to help organisations connect, collaborate and maximise their impact.
If you have news, events or achievements you’d like featured in a future newsletter, please email us using the subject VCSE Newsletter at marketing@sekgroup.org.uk.