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Golding Homes received £20,000 of grant funding this week from development partners, Countryside, to support delivery of key community projects in Kent which are responding to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We are delighted to be able to help local people through this funding and I would like to say a big thank you to our partners Countryside,” said Tom Casey, Director of Development and Sales for Golding Homes. “In total, this money will help five local community projects which are all responding to the covid-19 pandemic to help Kent residents who might be struggling.”

Tom Sherriff, Managing Director, Housebuilding South, Countryside, said: “The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has made life far more difficult for many local people and charities, and so we’re proud to support these organisations through the Countryside Communities Fund. These funds will allow the charities to continue their support for those in need and the wider community at this challenging time. As a longstanding mixed-tenure developer in the Kent area, we’re committed to the vision that goes beyond simply building new homes and towards making a difference across the region.”

One of those charities set to benefit is Heart of Kent Hospice, who last year was Golding’s charity partner. The hospice has been severely impacted by the cancellation of key fundraising events and the money donated will be used to provide care for those in our community living with a terminal illness, as well as delivery of remote and online bereavement support.

Ann-Marie Kelly, Director of Income Generation at Heart of Kent Hospice said: “Thank you to Countryside for their funding and to Golding Homes for continuing to support their local Hospice. We have been overjoyed by the kind donations and messages of support we’ve received from our local community who care deeply about the Hospice, our patients and their families.  In response to the increase in families and friends struggling with their grief, our Family Support Team has adapted the way it offers services to support those families both over the phone and through online groups, to encourage them to talk about how they feel. This funding will ensure that bereaved loved ones are fully supported by Heart of Kent Hospice.”

The other four projects set to benefit from the funding include:

• The Vine Church, which works with other local churches to deliver food parcels to local people in need in the Shepway area. The money provided will allow them to deliver 200 food parcels.
• Princess Project who operate from Parkwood and provides support to parents, many of them living in flats with no outdoor space. They offer befriending support, essential supplies for young mums, and educational toys. The donation will be used to provide 100 household gift boxes to support families during Covid-19 lockdown with essentials as well as puzzles and books to keep children entertained.
• Hug your Hospital appeal, launched by Medway Citizens Advice Bureau, and set up to support the critical care team at Medway hospital (160 staff) and nurses in the community.
• Golding Giving, a hardship fund launched by Golding Homes in response to the pandemic to help residents who might be struggling, with small one-off grants of up to £100 to buy essentials like food or pay utility bills. The scheme has been well received and helped more than 250 residents over the past six weeks (the scheme is now closed).

Local landlord Golding Homes are working with Countryside on developments in Sutton Road, Maidstone, and Church Farm, Paddock Wood to deliver 206 new homes.

Since the Covid-19 outbreak, Golding Homes has provided support to vulnerable customers through regular welfare calls, as well as providing funding to eleven local community projects through its own community chest fund.

(Pictured for illustration purposes only)