Services and Helplines
There are many services available across Kent and Medway run by fantastic charitable organisations.
This list serves as starting point of how and where to find support. If in doubt about services available, contact your local council and / or your local volunteer centre who will be happy to direct you to local services near you.
Keep an eye out for more on local services we'll be talking about through social media. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
County-wide
- Citizens Advice Bureau
Receive advice on a range of topics, such as benefits, health and debt. Enter your postcode to find your local office.
The general national advice line is 0800 144 8848 but you will be able to find the number for your local office by using the link provided and entering your postcode. - Kent County Council's Kent Together Service
24-hour helpline coordinated by Kent County Council to provide support, such as ensuring you have enough food, somebody to talk to and your prescriptions.
Use the link to find out more or call 03000 41 92 92. - Kent County Council's website lists a host of services available throughout the county.
Head to pages on Care and Support, as well as Help to Live at Home - Age UK
Find services local to you. Each area has a website with details of the services available specifically in your area.
The general national helpline is 0800 678 1602 but you will be able to find the number for your local office by using the link provided and entering your postcode. - Friendly Faces of Kent
An initiative to combat loneliness for those in Kent. Follow the team online for activities, such as virtual walks, book clubs and cooking clubs.
You can also speak to a team member on 07825 630108
Medway:
- Medway Voluntary Action
Find support, including their Befriending Scheme in partnership with Carer's First. 01634 812850 - Walderslade Together CIC
A group working together to look out for those more vulnerable in their community and end social isolation. 01634 519633 - Medway Plus
Contact the team to find out about projects, events or advice in the local area via Facebook or on 07789976150 - The Octopus Foundation
A project in Rochester bringing people together through activities such as woodwork, to end isolation. 01634 712884
North and East Kent:
- Connect Well
A hub where you can find services matched to your needs, including befriending services, independent living and community-based care.
Visit the site via the link, call 01227 272 781 or email connectwell@redzebra.org.uk. - You'll find links and phone numbers for services, such as Care Extra Plus CIC who offer support for older people in Dover, Deal and Sandwich and the surrounding areas, including those with dementia, as well as The Over 60s Community Service in Canterbury who offer a range of services to help people live well and independently
- Ageless Thanet, from Social Enterprise Kent
Find a variety of online and face-to-face support and activities. Go online, email info@agelessthanet.org.uk, or call 01843 210005 - Faversham Assistance Centre (FACE)
A charity offering practical help in the form of garden maintenance and decorating to people who are unable to carry out these tasks themselves due to ageing or disabilities. Faversham Assistance covers the area from Faversham through to Sittingbourne. 01795 530011 or 07483 150330 - Swale Community and Voluntary Services (Swale CVS)
- Canterbury & Herne Bay Volunteer Centre
Find support such as Social Transport and Befriending. Contact the Canterbury office on 01227 452278 or enquiries@chbvc.org. Or the Herne Bay office on 01227 743700 - IMAGO
Services for those in Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley, including CAMEO (Come and Meet Each Other) for people aged 50 or over, living in Dartford, Gravesham & Swanley, who are socially isolated or experiencing loneliness due to changing life circumstances. 12 week programme of activities.
01892 530330 - Kent Coast Volunteering
Find help such as Befriending and transport services for those in Dover, Thanet and Folkestone. Call 01843 609337 or email info@kcv.org.uk - Dover smART Project - The Art of Age
Currently running virtual creative services due to COVID but also offering support via phone calls. Get in touch online or call Dawn 07877 437508 or Laura 07854 488805. You can also email mail@doversmartproject.co.uk
Mid, South and West Kent:
- Ashford Volunteer Centre
Find a number of services and support groups. Call 01233 665535 or email contact@ashfordvc.org.uk - Involve Kent, Maidstone
A variety of support, activities, groups and services available. Call 03000 810005 or 03000 810007 for Home Help. Email office@involvekent.org.uk. - Romney Marsh Day Centre
A host of services and support on offer, allowing people to live well independently, including a Rehabilitation Unit, catering and information and advice. Call 01797 363888 or email enquiries@rmdc.org.uk - Good Neighbour Project, Tunbridge Wells
Find out about their Befriending service, as well as Falls Prevention Exercises. Call 01892 510200 or email office@goodneighbourproject.org.uk - Community Car Service
Help for those who have difficulty using public transport in West Kent - West Kent Mind
Discover the Digital Befriending service which helps people to get connected and stay safe online, from using the web to setting up WhatsApp.