As we mark 35 years of West Kent, we’re proud to recognise how we support our residents and local communities. One innovative way is through the West Kent Community Chest, a fund which provides financial assistance to help bring our residents and communities together and their ideas to life.
The West Kent Community Chest was founded in 2010 and was originally called the Linda Hogan Fund, in memory of Linda Hogan, a staff member who sadly died in 2009 after working with us for 11 years. Linda was a pivotal member of our communities team and sourced funding for many of our projects, which made a big difference to our local communities and residents.
From 2010 to 2022, the Linda Hogan fund issued grants totalling more than £191,000 to over 600 community projects.
In 2023, the fund was renamed to the West Kent Community Chest to make it easier to understand what the fund is and how it can provide support, building on Linda’s legacy.
From 2023 to 2024, the West Kent Community Chest awarded £43,998 to 50 community projects, including:
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The Swanley Food Project, which provided foodbank supplies for the local Swanley community. The project is still running today under the name Swanley Community Hub and has secured further funding from other organisations.
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The Olympia Boxing Club in Edenbridge, which gave young people an opportunity to get active and meet new people.
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A new hobby room in Repton Court, Ashford, that provides a fantastic range of activities for our residents and helps to tackle loneliness and isolation.
From 2024 to 2025, the West Kent Community Chest awarded £34,285 to 43 community projects, including:
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The Bulky Waste Project, which allowed our residents to dispose of bulky waste that may otherwise have been left in gardens or fly tipped.
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Autism family support sessions for our residents who care for a child or young person with autism. The sessions provided residents with educational information on autism, tips to help with sensory difficulties, assistance with understanding behaviours and sleep, and practical advice and emotional support.
A huge thank-you to our electrical and building contractor, Brenwards, and our windows and doors contractor, AD Construction Group, who support the West Kent Community Chest financially and help make our community projects a reality.
To find out more about the West Kent Community Chest, please visit https://www.westkent.org/help-for-residents/community-project-funding.