News

To support residents and communities during this difficult time, we are providing funding from our Community Chest Fund to help local charities and community projects responding to Covid-19.

Fusion Maidstone applied for the fund to help with a project they launched in April, led by Celebration Church, called The Life Café Project. This aims to support the vulnerable, elderly and self-isolating members of the community in the Park Wood area.

They have a team of dedicated staff and volunteers who are engaging with vulnerable people of all ages to offer them support. A big part of this includes delivering cooked meals and food parcels to families whose children are entitled to free school meals, ensuring they have enough to eat during these challenging times. So far they have provided over 750 meals to local people, as well as additional meals to NHS staff and keyworkers. 

Volunteers also provide prescription collections and essential grocery shopping to help make life as manageable as possible for those impacted by the pandemic. 

One local family of five, who are struggling on a low income due to reduced employment during Covid-19, were thrilled with their meals. They said: "Getting our meals is the highlight of our day!" 

Mental health charity Mind who refer people in need to the scheme, said: “Eating well has meant that this person engages more with other support services such as mental health at this time, it makes such a difference to wellbeing." 

Interim Chief Executive of Golding Homes, Sue Chalkley said: “As a local landlord we are keen to support local community projects which are making a positive difference during these challenging times. We have made 11 awards in total and are delighted to be able to provide Fusion Maidstone with some funding for their Life Café project, which is doing a vital job helping people living in Park Wood with essentials.”

The Life Café project relies heavily on the generosity of local volunteers. Speaking about the important work they do one volunteer said: “Being able to provide local people with a good meal and a friendly smile is a privilege during this tough time. People are so grateful for the support and we have some great conversations. Sometimes we are the only person that they will see all day, and they are so happy to see us!

“There is something powerful that happens when there is unity. In just two weeks we had partners across the local community standing in the gap hand-in-hand to meet a real need, not just bare minimum but in abundance. That’s how we bring lasting change. So, a big thank you to Fusion Maidstone Healthy Living Centre, St Peters Church in Boughton, The Curious Eatery, Gary Cooke, Golding Homes and everyone who has given financially and of their time, for standing with us at the start to make this possible.” Boden Dollie, Project Lead and Pastor at Celebration Church

If you need some support or would like to volunteer for the project you can contact Fusion on 01622 320130, or the Life Café project direct on 01622 801227.