ALDI GILLINGHAM

Thrift & Thrive (Medway) has risen from the ashes of Gillingham Street Angels. We are a new enterprise dedicated to supporting the residents in Medway who are facing challenges such as the cost-of-living gap, social isolation, unemployment, poor mental health and difficulties in accessing health and social care. Our mission is to reduce food waste and minimize landfill while fostering creativity, confidence, and practical skills through recycling, repurposing, and reusing. We provide compassionate, non-judgmental support by offering essentials such as food, clothing, bedding, and companionship during times of crisis. Our services include a free school uniform bank, a community soup bar, hunger relief meals, and programs designed to improve skills and combat social isolation. Through charity shops, recycling initiatives, inclusive volunteering, and free health and wellbeing services, we create opportunities for everyone to thrive. By collaborating with local agencies, we empower individuals with the knowledge and resources to improve their life chances.

The charity have a number of volunteers who either do food drops within the community in various areas {i.e. Cuxton, Snodland, and Rochester}, distribute vulnerable families who they know that are struggling. The food is also distributed to Twydall Evangelical Church, community centre, charities like Our Community Spirit. The food is also used to cook for the homeless, One Big Family, Helping the Homeless. We collect from Co Op, M&S, Lidl, Aldi, KFC and Tescos There is no charge as our volunteers. They do this to help the community or people in need. They are selfless volunteers who want to give back to the community knowing they are not getting any expenses paid for.

Fairways Accommodation Support Trust is a brilliant homeless charity head-quartered at Chatham Town centre. We offer affordable homes to rent, accommodation for people who need support and care to live within the community. Homeless and vulnerable adults can find a safe place to stay with us. Just as importantly, we offer support for adults experiencing alcohol and substance abuse and young offenders making the transition from young offenders institutions. We assess them to make sure they have the right accommodation for their needs. We then empower them to be reintegrated back into the community. Fairways Trust contributes to the youth development in the community. We inspire and encourage young people to overcome their personal challenges and achieve their aspirations. Collaboration is so important to us - we work with other groups to boost our tenants' quality of life and the lives of their family members. We work with other homeless charities, helping our tenants to find other agencies including the Probation Service, KCA, Equinox and more. Our philosophy is "service to humanity is the best work of life". That's why we're so dedicated to running affordable homes with support opportunities that truly meet the needs of the communities we serve. All our homes are backed up by lots of fantastic housing services, including our own professional team who repair and maintain our houses. With your support, we'll continue to be active and important members of the local community.