As 2025 draws to a close, communities across Kent and Medway are marking the festive season with celebrations, skills development initiatives, school achievements, health programmes, and new funding opportunities. This month’s edition features award recognition for Social Enterprise Kent, festive activities at SE Kitchen, impactful updates from our Schools and Skills teams, vital winter support programmes, and employment opportunities across the VCSE sector.
SEK Wins National Award at SEUK 2025
Social Enterprise Kent (SEK) has been named “Education, Training and Jobs Social Enterprise of the Year” at the 2025 Social Enterprise UK (SEUK) Awards, recognising the organisation’s sustained impact across Kent and Medway through education, training, employability and community-led support.
The national award celebrates SEK’s work in supporting people furthest from the labour market, delivering high-quality accredited training, and strengthening the voluntary and community sector through partnership working and innovation. Presented at a ceremony held at London’s South Bank Centre, the awards brought together social enterprises from across the UK delivering positive social and environmental change.
Looking ahead, as SEK marks its 40th year in 2025, the organisation continues to build on this momentum through the expansion of employability programmes, digital and AI skills training, and initiatives such as the Social Impact Gateway, which connects VCSE organisations with meaningful partnership and funding opportunities.
Reflecting on the recognition, Chief Executive Rebecca Smith said the award belongs to the communities SEK works alongside every day, as well as the partners, volunteers and staff whose commitment continues to create lasting impact.
Read the full article: SEK Wins National Award at the SEUK Awards 2025
Sector News
State of Social Enterprise 2025 Report Published
Social Enterprise UK has released the latest State of Social Enterprise report, surveying nearly 2,000 social enterprises to present the clearest national picture of sector performance and impact.
Despite challenging economic conditions, 48% of social enterprises reported turnover growth over the past year – 12% higher than other businesses, although lower than 2023 levels. Profitability fell, with 40% reporting a profit and 54% expressing concerns about cash flow.
Nevertheless, social enterprises remain optimistic:
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69% are developing new products or services
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68% are pursuing new public or private sector partnerships
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Supporting vulnerable people and improving mental health and wellbeing remain top priorities
Barriers to growth persist, particularly around access to finance, tax pressures and rising operating costs. Policymakers continue to rely on the report’s findings, which have shaped reforms such as the Social Value Act and contributed to international research through the World Economic Forum and British Council.
Read the full report:
https://www.socialenterprise.org.uk/all-about-social-enterprise/facts-and-figures/
Source: SEUK, 2025
Festive Highlights
Community at the Heart of the High Street
Social Enterprise Kent and SE Kitchen were delighted to take part in the Margate Christmas Lights Switch-On, a vibrant community celebration that highlighted the importance of Social Enterprise Kent’s presence right on the high street. The event was a fantastic opportunity to connect with residents, celebrate the festive season, and showcase the range of support SEK offers locally.
The day was made possible by the dedication of the wider SEK team, who brought warmth, creativity and practical support to the celebrations. Natasha Hart shared SE Kitchen produce and spoke with residents about eating well on a budget, while Helen Calvert ran popular children’s craft activities. Marianela Gamboa de Clayton provided energy-saving advice to help households stay warm and reduce costs this winter.
The team was pleased to welcome support from the Mayor of Margate, Katie Pope, alongside colleagues Jess Bartindale and Claire Shelton, who helped throughout the day to ensure the event ran smoothly.
SEK also welcomed visits from many local residents and from Polly Billington MP, as well as representatives from Thanet District Council and community partners including Thanet Health CIC.
A special thank you goes to Jack Packman and Karen Brinkman for organising another successful Margate event that brought the community together.
The day also celebrated local creativity, with a festive SEK window display created by Margate’s children. Families are invited to visit throughout December to see the artwork on display a source of pride for the young artists and a reminder of the strong connection between SEK and the local community.
Coming Up:
SE Kitchen Ramsgate
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From 15 December – Christmas Hamper Raffle, free entry in exchange for feedback
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12–21 December – St George’s Church Christmas Tree Festival
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20 December – Festive Fun Day, 9:00am–12:30pm, with live music from Gaddsukes at 11:00am
Christmas Opening Hours Ramsgate Regular hours resume 6 January.
SE Kitchen Ashford
Ashford SE Kitchen extended its opening hours on 22 November for the Ashford Baubles procession, engaging many new customers and showcasing its affordable festive products.
Coming Up:
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From 1 December – Festive Hamper Raffle
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6 December – Ashford Makers Market
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17 December – Festive Coffee Morning & Grand Prize Draw (10:00–13:00)
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20 December – Ashford Festive Makers Market
Christmas Opening Hours Ashford
Regular hours resume 6 January.
Support Available Across East Kent (2025–26)
Support Over Christmas and New Year Across East Kent 2025/26
Our document has been published, bringing together information on services and activities available during the festive period.
The guide lists support available across Thanet, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone & Hythe, and Ashford, including community services, wellbeing support, advice provision and local activities operating over Christmas and New Year. This resource is designed to help individuals, families and professionals easily identify what support is available at a time when regular services may be limited.
View the full guide: Support Over Christmas and New Year Across East Kent 2025/26
Green School Awards
On 28 November, SEK celebrated outstanding environmental projects at the Green School Awards, recognising pupils and students whose creativity and leadership are driving positive environmental change across Kent.
Young Cooks 2026
Entries are now open for Young Cooks 2026, inviting young chefs aged 7–19 to demonstrate their skills and passion for healthy, sustainable eating.
Click for more details
The Big Writing Challenge 2026 – “Curious Creatures”
Young writers across Kent and Medway are encouraged to enter this year’s challenge by submitting short stories inspired by “Curious Creatures.”
Click to read more
New Cancer Smart Awareness Videos
SEK, in partnership with the Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance, has released new awareness films on bowel screening, skin health, and Cancer Smart community engagement. Produced by Benjamin Film and Photography, these videos support local outreach and can be used by VCSE organisations to promote early diagnosis.
Watch the new videos:
Cancer Smart 2024–25: https://youtu.be/75NYGHhiWyg
Bowel Cancer and Screening: https://youtu.be/JutVga4xnYc
Be Skin Smart: https://youtu.be/MSNqj3vY5fE
Free Energy Advice Home Visits
SEK continues to offer free, impartial home energy support to adults and families through winter, delivered by DBS-checked and National Energy Action-trained advisers.
Support includes advice on:
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Staying warm and well
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Reducing energy bills
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Tariffs, bills and meters
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Grants and financial assistance
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Fuel debt and scam awareness
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Priority Services Register
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Carbon monoxide safety
Each household receives a warm pack tailored to their needs.
To request a visit: digitalsupport@sekgroup.org.uk
Voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations across Kent are encouraged to explore several live funding opportunities this month. The Social Impact Gateway (SIG) continues to offer local organisations access to multiple grant programmes, tailored support, and opportunities to partner with others across the region.
For guidance on opportunities available through SIG, contact: sig@sekgroup.org.uk or Click for more info
The Benefact Trust is accepting applications for its Building Improvement Grants, providing up to £100,000 for repairs and upgrades to Christian buildings, and its Community Impact Grants, offering up to £25,000 for projects that support congregations, address social challenges, or deliver Christian education.
Sport England’s Movement Fund remains open, offering £300–£15,000 to support physical activity projects including walking, cycling, fitness, and community sport.
The Rayne Foundation is accepting Expressions of Interest for grants of up to £30,000, prioritising work supporting children and young people, refugees and asylum seekers, and people in later life.
Current vacancies within the Kent VCSE sector include:
Housing & Recovery Worker – Porchlight
Canterbury
£24,851 rising to £27,732 + 5% shift premium
Fixed Term until 31 May 2026
Closing date: 29 December 2025
Executive & Operational Assistant – Kent Community Foundation
Smeeth, Ashford
Circa £30,000 | Full-time | Permanent
Closing date: 4 January 2026
Trustees – Kent Community Foundation
Up to three new trustees sought
Closing date: 16 January 2026
Deputy Chief Officer – Age UK Thanet Ltd
Margate
£31,850 per year | Full-time
Wellbeing Facilitator – Age UK Thanet Ltd
Margate
£12.21 per hour | Part-time
Stay Connected
Stay informed with the latest news from the VCSE sector across Kent and Medway. Our monthly newsletter highlights funding opportunities, sector updates, training programmes and community-led initiatives that are strengthening local impact.
Thank you to all partners and contributors for helping us celebrate another month of collaboration, innovation and community resilience.