Bridging the Gap Together
Responding to the need at hand, by standing together across churches, charities, and community services in Maidstone.
Who are we?
We are not an organisation, company or partnership. We are a movement & collaboration of churches, charities and key community services working together with a commitment to putting the needs of people at the heart of all we do, so that the very real, everyday, pressing needs of families in our communities are never left unanswered.
How Can We Help?
We can help in so many ways.
The options below are just a starting point to help you decide how best we can support you.
If the support you need is not in the list please drop us an email anyway,
if we cannot help directly we will know someone who can!
If you are a school worker we also have dedicated support for you.
Food & Cooking
01
Our food bank serves the local community when times are tough. If a family is unable to buy your own food please contact us. Along with the well-stocked foodbank and friendly support, we can also come alongside local families to provide fresh food ingredients, cooking advice and guidance on family budgeting, to create lasting positive change in their lives. Our aim is to ensure families are equipped and encouraged to cook together, making mealtimes a highlight in the household.
Babies & Toddlers
02
Free baby and toddler (under-5) essentials for any family who needs them (no means testing). Nappies, toiletries, formula/baby food, clothing, toys, equipment (non-electrical), including prams, cots etc.
By appointment so please send us an email.
Delivery can be arranged for larger items or if families cannot collect.
Bereavement, Chaplaincy & Prayer
03
We have lovely teams of volunteers that are able to support families and children around matters of faith, or prayer & support during illness and especially the challenging period after the death of a loved one.
Children and young people experience the same sorts of feelings as adults when someone dies. But they may express them differently.
Friendly Support
04
Befriending offers supportive, reliable relationships through volunteer befrienders to people who would otherwise be socially isolated.
This also includes a dedicated, one-to-one support for young mums aged 16-30, who are matched with trained volunteer befrienders.
Money matters
05
Help with money, whether that's help to get out of debt, find a job or gain vital life skills, we work with Christians Against Poverty to provide a range of support in this area, including a money management course to learn skills that have a lasting impact on daily finances. It’s designed for anyone who wants to take control of their finances.
Unsure? Need advice?
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You may have a need that we have not listed, or maybe you just need to explain the situation, so we can help craft the solution or bring a few options to the table. Most importantly, there is no need we will simply turn away. Drop us an email and we will do our best to help.
WORKING TOGETHER
No query is too big or small and your contacts are endless. You have helped change the lives of many of our Parents/Carers and local community members. Also, just knowing there are others who we can turn to as we support our families means so much!
Pastoral Support Worker
Receiving support from the school and from the Bridge People meant I could get my life and my family back on track after the lockdown. Just knowing I had that support and someone to turn to made all the difference and gave me the confidence I needed. I even managed to get a job!
Mum, 3 children
The tremendous support on offer has allowed us to offer our family's opportunities and support they may not necessarily have been aware of. You have helped families across our academies so much, some with just support and a friendly chat and some more in depth.
Director of Local School Academies
It's been a pleasure working with you and everyone involved in supporting our communities through these very difficult times. We have seen how grateful people are for just the simplest things and kindnesses. This change in our social encounters has strengthened our focus and determination.
School Principal
Thank you for everything you have put together- what a fantastic service we can offer to our most vulnerable families.
Pastoral Support Worker
Support for School Workers
Who is there for the person that is always there for everyone?
Who can that person turn to when they need someone?
We offer dedicated one-to-one support for any school staff, whatever the issue, we can provide pastoral care for those whose job it is to support others.
Just send us an email and we will arrange a time to talk through how we can best serve you.