Sevenoaks District Communities Together appeal off to a great start

Published: Friday, 1st May 2020

A crowdfunding appeal to raise money for four local charities who keep vulnerable residents safe has stunned organisers by raising £2,500 in its first few days.

‘Sevenoaks District Communities Together’ is supporting Age UK Sevenoaks and Tonbridge, Domestic Abuse Volunteer Services Support (DAVSS), Friends for Families and West Kent Mind. These charities were chosen because of the exceptional demand they face due to Coronavirus. Each of them have had to dramatically change the way they work so they can adhere to social distancing rules.

Sevenoaks District Council is supporting the appeal and will be match funding the first £5,000 of donations.

Cabinet member for People and Places, Cllr Lesley Dyball says: “We have been astounded by our residents’ kindness and generosity. The community spirit has been incredible and the overwhelming message is that everyone wants to help each other.

“The money raised is going to be a huge help to these wonderful charities so we’re asking everyone who hasn’t yet donated to give what they can so we can surpass our £10,000 target.”

To find out more and donate, visit www.spacehive.com/sevenoaks-district-communities-together

Age UK Sevenoaks and Tonbridge is providing an emergency shopping service to clients as well as well-being calls over the telephone. The money raised from this appeal will help Age UK continue its services offing advice and tackling loneliness.

Sadly, since the coronavirus outbreak, reports of domestic violence reports have gone up. Money pledged by residents will help DAVSS support its phone line which makes a real difference to the lives of many people and their children who urgently need support right now.

Since the pandemic began, there has been a much larger demand on local charity Friends for Families to deliver food parcels to struggling families. The money raised from this appeal will go on food provisions to make sure no child in the area goes to bed hungry. 

West Kent Mind is a mental wellbeing charity who have changed all their services to be online or over the telephone. The money from the appeal will ensure its most vulnerable clients get the help and support they need at a critical time in their lives.