Water company improves futures for young people in Kent

ByEd

Jan 11, 2023

As part of Southern Water’s ongoing activities to support communities it has awarded five £10,000 grants to regional charities working to support improved futures for young people.

Under Level 1 of its Community Grants Scheme, the company invited applications from regional registered charity partners working to help improve outcomes for young people.   

Five partners were chosen – one from each of the operational regional areas (Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire, and IOW). The award for each partner will be a £10,000 donation alongside support through employee volunteering, expertise sharing and partnership opportunities over an 18 month-long partnership. 

The charities that have been awarded the community grant are: 

Community Supporters – East Sussex
No Limits – Hampshire
Waterside Community Trust – Isle of Wight
Dover Smart Project – Kent
AudioActive – West Sussex

Dover Smart Project

In Kent, the grant has been awarded to Dover Smart Project, a local charity that is transforming lives through art and creativity. The charity provides creative opportunities for vulnerable and disadvantaged people, mainly Young Carers, to take part in a wide range of activities and experiences.

The project runs weekly support groups and community-based projects to help boost their confidence, enhance their well-being, raise their aspirations, and widen their outlook on the world.  

Dover Smart Project works across the Dover district which has pockets of high levels of deprivation. The charity has been trialling Smart Angels (Wellbeing Co-ordinators) to support young people as well as having an additional staff member attend the regular Young Carers club, whose sole purpose is to focus on the wellbeing of the children.    

A spokesperson for the Dover Smart Project said: “Dover Smart Project are very excited about this new partnership with Southern Water. As a small charity, the recognition of a large organisation is key to the success of raising awareness and support for the work we do with young people in our community.”

Southern Water’s Community Partnerships and Programme Manager, Alex Willumsen said:  “Our on-going Community Grant programme recognises the importance of providing support for young people in our region and the ripple effect that may have for communities. Through new partnerships over the following 18 months we hope to support and learn alongside our charity partners and support the incredible work they do with this age group.”

For more information about how we can help anyone struggling this winter, visit our website.   