As part of our 35 years of West Kent campaign we're highlighting different stories from our colleagues, residents, and communities, which make West Kent special.

  • 35 years of West Kent - Craig’s Journey of Growth and Innovation

    At West Kent, we're celebrating 35 years of transforming services to better support our residents and communities. Craig, our Business Design Lead, has been a key part of this journey for 28 years. 

    For his role, Craig has played a vital part in our evolution – from implementing new housing management systems to improving how we house residents and adjust rents. His work has helped ensure that West Kent continues to create safe, welcoming spaces where families and older residents can thrive. 

    In this video, Craig highlights our commitment to investing in people. With our support, he became a Chartered Management Accountant, expanding his skills and career. 

    “I don’t know what the future will hold, but I know that West Kent will continue to support people in developing their ambitions,” says Craig. 

    To find out more about 35 years of West Kent, please visit: 35 years of West Kent 

  • 35 years of West Kent - Our investment in the communities we work in

    To celebrate 35 years of West Kent, we’re focussing on the fantastic support our community development team delivers across our neighbourhoods.  

    One of the most impactful projects in recent years is our community pilot at St Mary’s in Swanley back in 2022.    
     
    As part of the project, we gathered residents’ thoughts and feedback on their local area; what they like, and what they want to see improve. We came to residents in their area, knocking on doors and hosting community events where residents and their families could come and chat to us, while having some food and drinks. We connected with over 300 residents who told us their priorities; enhancing safety, reducing loneliness, and fostering a sense of pride in their homes. Our video from one of the pilot’s events showcases what the project means to the community. 

    As a result of the feedback, we’ve:  

    • Invested in essential renovations, such as replacing front doors

    • Created a resident action group to reduce isolation and drive positive change in the area

    • Introduced a community development officer for Swanley, supporting local people to set up new groups and activities, that help counter isolation and build friendships. So far, they have supported with forming bingo clubs, gardening clubs, market stalls, and seasonal events.

    Following the success at St Mary’s, the approach was extended to Northview in Swanley, where residents benefited from similar opportunities becoming available. Building on this momentum, we rolled out the project in other areas including Edenbridge and Faversham. In 2025, we’ll take the project to our biggest development yet, Castor Park in Allington. 
     
    Supported by a dedicated community development team with over 30 partners, including Citizen’s Advice, food banks, and leisure centres, we’re committed to investing in our residents and building networks that address residents’ priorities and promote healthier, more vibrant communities.

    To find out more about West Kent’s 35 years stories, visit: 35 years of West Kent 

  • 35 years of West Kent: Richard’s role in building stronger communities

    As part of our 35 years of West Kent campaign we're celebrating the impact our teams have on our residents and communities. Richard, our Community Development Manager, has been a key part of this journey for the last five years.

    In this video, Richard highlights our devotion to listening and understanding residents but also explains how we help and the positive changes we make.

    Richard shared his views with us: “It is great to see the work that the community development team are making. The three officers are very much making a difference in the communities that they work, by tackling issues and bringing people together. I am proud to work for West Kent because of what we do for our residents, how we engage with them, and the change we bring to their lives.”

    To find out more about 35 years of West Kent, please visit: 35 years of West Kent  

  • 35 years of West Kent: Supporting our residents through KEHFA

    As we mark 35 years of West Kent, we’re proud to reflect on the meaningful impact of our work and our commitment to providing excellent services across Kent. A foundation of this has been our involvement in the ‘Kent Excellent Homes for All’ (KEHFA) contract, a landmark initiative that continues to deliver vital housing to communities across the county. 

    Back in 2013, we entered a consortium, alongside Galliford Try, and ProjectCo, and were named as the preferred bidder for the KEHFA housing Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract. This ambitious partnership, initiated by Kent County Council, enabled us to manage seven housing schemes designed to serve Kent’s older, more vulnerable  residents. 

    Through the KEFHA contract, we manage: 

    • Five extra care schemes in Dartford, Dover, Hawkhurst, Ramsgate, and Tenterden. 

    • Two supported housing schemes offering assistance for homeless residents or those with support needs in Ashford and Ramsgate. 

    • A total of 238 homes across these locations, 218 of which are dedicated to extra care housing, while the remaining 20 provide essential supported housing. 

    Outside gardens

    While Galliford Try Facilities Management manages the facilities function, we proudly oversee housing management, ensuring these homes remain welcoming and well-maintained.   

    Over a decade later, the impact of the KEFHA contract resonates strongly across Kent. From providing high-quality homes to fostering a sense of community, we’ve continued to deliver excellence: 

    • 82% of residents who completed the Tenant Satisfaction Measures survey in the past 18 months, are satisfied with the overall service they receive from West Kent. 

    • 83% of residents who completed the 2024 annual survey rated their overall satisfaction as Good or Excellent. 

    Four adults sat down drawing

    Beyond just housing, KEFHA embodies our mission to support people and communities, offering both independence and care for residents. A range of activities are on offer for residents to get involved in too. 

    As we look to the future, our focus remains on building on this legacy. Whether through our KEFHA contract or new initiatives across Kent, we are dedicated to delivering excellent services and create thriving communities across Kent. 

    To find out more about 35 years of West Kent, please visit: 35 years of West Kent   

  • 35 years of West Kent: Rebecca’s views to shared ownership and a brighter future

    As part of our 35 years of West Kent campaign, we're proudly celebrating different stories from our residents. Rebecca, one of our new residents, recently moved into her shared ownership home with her two children.

    In this video, Rebecca talks about how thrilled she is to be investing in her future and creating a home she can one day pass on to her children.

    Rebecca told us, “I am now extremely happy and proud to look around this perfect home for me and my children, knowing I am now a homeowner, and that’s all due to West Kent.”

    To find out more about 35 years of West Kent, please visit: 35 years of West Kent  
  • 35 Years of West Kent: Sophie’s role in achieving 1,000 shared ownership homes 

    As part of our 35 years of West Kent campaign, we’re showcasing the incredible people who make our work possible. Sophie, Head of Ownership Services, has been with us for over 20 years, starting as an admin assistant and working her way up to her current role. 
     
    Since joining West Kent she has experienced many life milestones, including becoming a mother. Sophie’s home ownership team recently hit the milestone of 1,000 shared ownership homes, a major achievement in a challenging housing market.  

     Sophie adds that, “It’s very rewarding to help people get on the property ladder, giving them security and something to pass onto their families”. 

    Watch Sophie's video