May Updates
This month’s newsletter brings together updates, opportunities and support for VCSE organisations across Kent and Medway, including highlights from the Kent AI Best Practice Conference, social enterprise growth across Thanet, funding opportunities, community wellbeing initiatives, education programmes and sector-wide engagement opportunities.
SEK VCSE News
Kent AI Best Practice Conference Brings Organisations Together in Canterbury
The free event brought together SMEs and VCSE organisations to explore how Artificial Intelligence can be used safely, responsibly and effectively within organisations and communities.
Funded by Kent County Council, the conference showcased learning from the Kent AI Skills Accelerator programme and launched a new AI Best Practice Toolkit to support organisations adopting AI technologies.
Delegates heard from keynote speaker Jaspal Kaur Sadhu Singh from Canterbury Christ Church University, who shared insights into AI governance, opportunities and risk management.
The event also featured practical examples of how organisations are already using AI to improve efficiency, communications and service delivery, alongside opportunities for networking and collaboration across Kent.
> FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE KENT AI SKILLS ACCELERATOR
Since March 2023, the Thanet Social Enterprise Boost Programme has supported the growth of social enterprise across the district, funded by the UK Government through to March 2026.
Scale and Reach
- 194 social enterprises supported
- 140 new start-ups
- 54 organisations established
What Was Delivered
- 26 training sessions
- 31 peer networking and lunch-and-learn events
- 11 wider networking events
- 6 conferences and expos
- Establishment of the Thanet Social Enterprise Network
Investment
- More than £353,000 in grants awarded
- 85 organisations funded
Impact
Projects supported included wellbeing, inclusion, sustainability, education and employment initiatives.
The programme also contributed to a 109% increase in Community Interest Companies, more than doubling the sector locally.
The Thanet Social Enterprise Network and new Social Enterprise Toolkit will continue supporting future entrepreneurs, with plans to expand this model into new areas across Kent.
Thanet Social Enterprise Boost Legacy Support Offer
As the Thanet Social Enterprise Boost Programme draws to a close, Social Enterprise Kent is offering a three-month legacy support package exclusively for organisations that completed the programme.
The legacy offer has been designed to help organisations maintain momentum, strengthen governance and continue sustainable growth.
What’s Included
- Monthly one-to-one growth check-in sessions
- Start-up essentials policy pack
- Ongoing light-touch support and networking opportunities
Special Legacy Price
- Usual price: £225
- Boost Legacy Price: £135
- You save: £90
- Price per session: £45
Organisations interested in securing a place can contact
info@sekgroup.org.uk
and quote discount code SEKBL40.
VCSE Training Opportunities from Social Enterprise Kent
Working within the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector can be rewarding, but also challenging. Social Enterprise Kent continues to provide practical and accessible training designed to help organisations strengthen skills, improve resilience and increase community impact.
Training opportunities support organisations with leadership, governance, funding, community engagement and organisational development.
> FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VCSE TRAINING
Young Cooks Competitions Celebrate Student Talent Across Kent
Over the past month, the schools team successfully delivered several major school engagement events, including Young Cooks East Kent, Young Cooks West Kent and the Big Writing Challenge.
The Young Cooks competitions brought together primary, secondary and college students from across the region to showcase their culinary skills and creativity.
The overall East Kent winner prepared dishes at the Showcase Lunch at The Dog in Wingham, while the overall West Kent winner visited Crystal Palace FC to cook alongside the executive chef.
The competitions continue to highlight the importance of food education, helping young people develop practical cooking skills, confidence and awareness of future careers within hospitality and food industries.
Thanks were extended to sponsors and judges including Golding Homes, MidKent College, COOK, the Natural Resources Institute at the University of Greenwich, Chefs’ Wardrobe, Cactus Graphics, Macknade Fine Food and Brakes.
> FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOUNG COOKS COMPETITION
Green School Awards and Big STEM Challenge Open for Entries
Schools across Kent and Medway are now invited to enter the Green School Awards and the Big STEM Challenge.
The Green School Awards celebrate environmental action taking place within schools and communities, including gardening, conservation, recycling, energy saving and biodiversity projects.
The Big STEM Challenge encourages students to explore science, technology, engineering and maths through practical and creative projects including experiments, app development, robotics and innovative problem solving.
Entries for both initiatives close on 31 July 2026.
Kent Education Awards 2026 Celebrates Outstanding Education Champions
The Kent Education Awards 2026 brought together schools, educators, support staff and organisations from across Kent and Medway for an inspiring evening celebrating achievement, innovation and dedication within education.
Held at the Ashford International Hotel on 15 May, the awards recognised individuals and teams making a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people through education, inclusion, wellbeing and community support.
The evening highlighted the incredible passion, creativity and commitment taking place across the county, with finalists and winners representing a wide range of schools, education providers and support services.
Those interested in celebrating future education success stories are encouraged to follow updates and look out for nomination announcements for the next Kent Education Awards.
Sponsors for this year’s awards included HR Connect, Kent Teach, Reed, Salus, The Education Hub, The Education People, Canterbury Christ Church University, Kent and Medway Careers Hub, KCS Education, Brachers, Ashford Designer Outlet and Rivermead Solutions.
> FIND OUT MORE ABOUT KENT EDUCATION AWARDS
Digital Employability Experience (DEX) Supports Skills and Employment
DEX (Digital Employability Experience) is a free online platform from Digital Kent designed to help residents build digital skills and explore local employment opportunities.
The platform includes practical activities, downloadable workbooks and real-world insight from Kent employers to help people build confidence and improve employability skills.
DEX is available for Kent residents aged 13 and above and may be particularly useful for people returning to work, changing careers or exploring new opportunities.
VCSE organisations are encouraged to use DEX within one-to-one support sessions and employability programmes.
For support and guidance:
digitalex@kent.gov.uk | 03000 410950
Ref: Kent County Council
Thanet Youth Employment and Skills Hub Opens in Broadstairs
A new Youth Employment & Skills Hub has opened at Nelson College in Broadstairs, bringing together employment, skills, wellbeing and advice services for young people aged 16 to 24.
The hub includes support from Jobcentre youth work coaches, CXK, the KCC Care Leavers Team and Social Enterprise Kent.
Young people can drop in without appointment to access guidance and support.
Location:
Nelson College, Northwood Road, Westwood, Broadstairs CT10 2RZ
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm
Contact:
yesh@nelsoncollege.ac.uk
Ref: Nelson College
Creative Curiosity in Practice Webinar Series
Creative Curiosity in Practice is a newly launched webinar series delivered by Alexia Tam, designed to help people feel more confident and curious about monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL).
Drawing on experience using creative and participatory approaches to gather insight, the series explores how listening, reflection and lived experience can sit at the heart of effective monitoring and evaluation.
Through practical examples from real projects, the sessions demonstrate how conversations, creative activities and community-led approaches can generate meaningful learning without relying on complex systems or technical expertise.
The series is ideal for organisations new to monitoring, evaluation and learning, community groups and practitioners looking for more accessible and people-centred approaches to evaluation.
> REGISTER FOR THE CREATIVE CURIOSITY IN PRACTICE WEBINAR SERIES
Ref: Active Kent and Medway
Help Shape the Future of Health and Care in Kent and Medway
VCSE organisations and community groups are being encouraged to support engagement around the NHS Kent and Medway Five Year Strategy for 2026–2031.
The strategy aims to address growing health inequalities, increasing demand for services and the need for more preventative and community-based support.
The NHS is particularly seeking feedback from communities who may not traditionally engage with statutory services.
A communications toolkit is available containing social media content, graphics and engagement materials to help organisations support the consultation.
Engagement closes at 9am on Monday 1 June 2026.
> TAKE PART IN THE NHS FIVE YEAR STRATEGY ENGAGEMENT
Ref: NHS Kent and Medway
National Walking Month: Small Steps, Stronger Communities
May marks National Walking Month, encouraging people across the country to build more walking into their everyday routines and experience the physical, mental and social benefits of getting active outdoors.
Whether it is a short daily stroll, walking with friends or joining a local community group, walking remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve overall health and wellbeing.
Regular walking can help improve heart health, fitness, mobility, sleep and energy levels, while also supporting mental wellbeing by reducing stress and improving mood.
Walking also plays an important role in strengthening communities. Group walks help people meet others, reduce loneliness and build confidence through shared experiences and social connection.
Across Kent, organisations linked with Social Enterprise Kent and Active Kent & Medway continue supporting accessible opportunities for people to become more active, regardless of age, confidence or starting point.
Spotlight on Maroon Adventures
In Thanet, Maroon Adventures is helping connect people with local outdoor spaces through guided community walks designed to combine movement, conversation and exploration.
As part of National Walking Month, Maroon Adventures will host a coastal walk on:
Friday 30 May 2026 | 10am
The walk will travel from Birchington-on-Sea to the Sunken Gardens in Westbrook, finishing at Margate Station, and will include talks focusing on flowers and gardening.
Residents are also encouraged to explore local activities and walking opportunities through organisations including CMK, NBE, Thanet Coastal Project, Thanet Urban Forest, Dad Space, Our Active Communities/Mencap and Everyday Active Kent.
STAK.life CIC Fundraising Events
STAK.life CIC is hosting several fundraising events to support mental health services for autistic young people in Thanet.
Upcoming Events
- Art Exhibition and Sale – 8 to 10 May | ARK Cliftonville
- Fundraising Comedy Night – 19 June | The Swan, Westgate
- Free Live Music Event – 12 July | Pavilion, Broadstairs
> FIND OUT MORE ABOUT STAK.LIFE CIC
Ref: STAK.life CIC
Thrive After 50 Community Event
A community wellbeing event called Thrive After 50 will take place during half term on Thursday 28 May at Hartsdown School.
The event will bring together local organisations, community groups and businesses offering information, demonstrations and activities focused on wellbeing, support and community connection.
Although primarily aimed at the 50+ community, families are also welcome.
Ref: East Kent Mind
Spring Family Fun Day
Families are invited to attend the Spring Family Fun Day taking place at Northdown Road Family Hub on Friday 29 May from 11am to 3pm.
The event will include activities, information stalls and support services for children, young people and families.
Ref: Kent Family Hub Network
The Weekend Walking, Talking, Cancer and Coffee Club
An informal walking, talking and coffee group meets every second Saturday of the month at 9am at Loaf on Sandgate High Street.
The group welcomes anyone living with, recovering from or affected by cancer, alongside family members, friends and carers.
Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards 2026
Nominations are now open for the Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards 2026, celebrating organisations, businesses, schools and community groups supporting mental health and wellbeing.
The awards recognise initiatives focused on mental health, wellbeing, kindness and compassion across Kent, Medway, Bexley and Bromley.
Nominations close at noon on 1 September 2026.
> FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE KENT MENTAL WELLBEING AWARDS
Ref: Mind in Bexley and East Kent
Social Impact Gateway Supports VCSE Funding Access
The Social Impact Gateway, delivered by Social Enterprise Kent, helps VCSE organisations connect with funding, partnerships and opportunities through a single platform.
The initiative aims to improve access to funding and help grassroots organisations better demonstrate social impact.
Recent webinar sessions also explored how organisations can use the platform and wider Plinth system to strengthen impact reporting and funding readiness.
> FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE SOCIAL IMPACT GATEWAY
Canterbury City Council RISE Strategic Grants 2026–27
Applications are now open for Canterbury City Council’s RISE Strategic Grants Programme.
Funding is available for projects supporting:
- Climate action and environmental sustainability
- Health and wellbeing
- Education, training and employment
- Inclusion and community participation
Funding Available
- Project Delivery Funding: up to £10,000
- Core Funding: up to £4,000
Application deadline:
9am, Tuesday 9 June 2026
Free support workshops are also available for organisations using the new SmartyGrants system.
Workshop Dates
- Whitstable Umbrella – Wednesday 13 May, 2pm–3.15pm
- Online – Tuesday 19 May, 2pm–3pm
To book a workshop place email:
externaldevelopment@canterbury.gov.uk
> APPLY FOR RISE STRATEGIC GRANTS
Ref: Canterbury City Council
Pathway Fund Dormant Assets Funding
£12 million is available through the Pathway Fund to support social entrepreneurs from Black and Ethnically Minoritised communities across England.
The funding aims to unlock social investment and support enterprise growth.
Wave 1 application deadline:
31 May 2026
> FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE PATHWAY FUND
Ref: Pathway Fund
Ashford Community Grants Fund
Ashford Borough Council continues to offer grants and loans supporting community projects across the borough.
Funding includes:
- Capital Grants up to £10,000
- Community Event Grants up to £5,000
- Ward Member Grants
- Exceptional circumstance loans
> FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ASHFORD COMMUNITY GRANTS
Ref: Ashford Borough Council
Medway Pride in Place Shop Front Improvement Grant
Independent businesses in Medway can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to improve shopfronts and support local high street regeneration.
Funding can support repairs, repainting, signage, lighting and window displays.
> FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE SHOP FRONT IMPROVEMENT GRANT
Ref: Medway Council
Port of Dover Community Fund
The Port of Dover Community Fund is offering grants of up to £10,000 for not-for-profit organisations in Dover.
Funding priorities include employment, skills development and strengthening community life.
> FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE PORT OF DOVER COMMUNITY FUND
Ref: Kent Community Foundation
Join the Team at Social Enterprise Kent
Social Enterprise Kent continues to grow its services and community programmes across Kent and Medway, and we are always looking for passionate, motivated people who want to make a positive difference.
Our roles span a wide range of projects and sectors, including community support, health and wellbeing, employability, education, volunteering, food initiatives, social enterprise support and business development.
Whether you are looking for your next career step, a new challenge or an opportunity to work within purpose-driven organisations and community-focused programmes, we encourage you to explore our latest vacancies.
We offer opportunities across a variety of locations and working patterns, with roles becoming available regularly throughout the year.
Fundraising Development Manager – Bright Shadow
Location: Remote, with some travel required
Hours: 21 hours per week
Salary: £38,000 FTE (£22,800 pro rata)
Closing Date: Noon, 27 May 2026
Bright Shadow is recruiting a part-time Fundraising Development Manager to support fundraising growth and partnership development.
Ref: Bright Shadow
Volunteer with Social Enterprise Kent
Social Enterprise Kent continues to recruit volunteers to support community projects across Kent.
Volunteering opportunities help people gain skills, build confidence and support local communities through practical action.
Current Opportunities
- Gleaning Volunteer – Across Kent
- Social Supermarket Volunteer – Chatham, Ashford and Ramsgate
- Marketing Assistant Volunteer – Ashford
- Office and Administration Support Volunteer – Ashford and Margate
For more information contact:
z.young@sekgroup.org.uk
07311 821396
Stay Connected
Stay informed with the latest updates from the VCSE sector across Kent and Medway. Our monthly newsletter shares sector insight, events and opportunities, funding, community updates and practical support to help organisations strengthen local impact and resilience.