VOTE NOW – CLOSING DATE 31ST DECEMBER 2024
Thanet Community Champion Awards – Nominations invited
Thanet District Council and Social Enterprise Kent (SEK) are proud to announce the launch of the Thanet Community Champion Awards 2025.
The awards will celebrate the incredible work of local individuals and organisations dedicated to improving life in Thanet. Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, these awards highlight the essential role played by the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in enhancing the quality of life for residents across the district.
The Thanet Community Champion Awards aim to highlight and celebrate the people and organisations who go above and beyond in supporting their communities, whether they are volunteers, charity workers, youth leaders, or the unsung heroes quietly making a significant impact. Nominations are now open, and the council is calling on residents, local businesses and VCSE organisations to help recognise the extraordinary efforts of our community champions.
Nominations are open until Tuesday 31 December 2024, and the awards will culminate in a special event on Wednesday 12 March 2025. The event will also include networking opportunities for members of the VCSE sector, allowing them to build relationships, share best practice, and foster collaboration for an even greater community impact.
Find out more and to nominate
The Community Champions Programme supports the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, by creating opportunities for networking, training and funding support as well as working with the sector to help build capacity and promote collaboration. This support is fully funded.
The programme includes a free leadership course with Stronger Kent Communities, training with Social Enterprise Kent, volunteer support with Kent Coast Volunteering and funding support and mentorship with Funding for All.
The programme is being managed by Thanet District Council as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is commissioning local VCSE organisations to deliver.
The Programme is funded by UK Government.
Email sharedprosperity@thanet.gov.uk for more information.
Leaflet with all booking links on COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS LEAFLET with QR codes
Visual representation of Community Champions Programme
KEY EVENTS – click link
- Funding Conference – Wednesday 12th February 2025 (Margate)
- Thanet Community Champions Conference – Weds 12th March, morning – St. Augustine’s Westgate – invites to follow
- Thanet Community Champions Awards – Weds 12th March, afternoon – St. Augustine’s Westgate – Awards Info and to nominate
- Online Training Day – increase your bid writing skills – Thursday 13th March
Delivered by Stronger Kent Communities (SKC) and MVA
Thanet Charity Leaders Partnership and Development Programme
Do you lead a charity or other non-profit in Thanet? Would you like to join other leaders in exploring strategic issues and opportunities that can help you?
With funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Stronger Kent Communities and MVA are running a free Partnership and Development programme. Over the next 9 months, you will attend regular meetings with other charity leaders, identifying common issues and working on strategies and solutions to address these.
This course has been developed specifically for Thanet Leaders, it is based on the Transformation Academy already running in Medway, as well as similar programmes running in other parts of Kent.
What we would like to achieve
We are all facing difficult times and we know this is likely to continue. We believe that working together is essential and we want to support the development of strong partnerships and create a shared space for charity leaders to think about the future and how they can support each other to thrive.
At the end of the five sessions all participants will have achieved the xx coaching qualification and will have a network of peers in place to work together to achieve shared objectives that matter to the group.
How will we achieve this?
Central to working effectively together will be the need to connect and develop stronger relationships with our peers; so utilising some Transformation Academy model practices, we will run face to face sessions that will help you to meet others from Thanet to develop shared aims and objectives. We will provide the facilitation support for these sessions – freeing you up to shape and direct their content to suit the needs of your organisations and local network.
Who should attend?
Leaders and decision makers of voluntary organisations in Thanet (please note that a condition of our funding is that your organisation is based in or working in Thanet). Your organisation can be any size and structure eg. registered charity, CIC, CIO, Community group, etc. You might be a Trustee, CEO, Charity Manager or Lead Volunteer. Please choose the best person in your organisation to attend, because only one space is available.
Course timetable
There are limited spaces on the course, we are looking for participants to commit to all five sessions. All sessions will run from 9.30 – 1.00, with a networking lunch provided after. The timetable so far is:
| Course date | Location |
| Session one – 24 September 2024 | Discovery Planet, Ramsgate |
| Session two – 22 October 2024 | Discovery Planet, Ramsgate |
| Session three (accredited coaching skills) – 27 November 2024 | Discovery Planet, Ramsgate |
| Session four – Tuesday 11 February 2025 | Discovery Planet, Ramsgate |
| Session five – Tuesday 11 March 2025 | Discovery Planet, Ramsgate |
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Funding for All – Fundraising support for Thanet’s VCSEs
Who is Funding for All?
We are a registered charity that provides training in funding and fundraising for VCSE groups in Kent and Medway.
We do this by building fundraising skills and confidence within VCSE organisations to support:
- Resilience
- Long-term sustainability
- Diversification of funding streams
How we help
Thanks to Thanet District Council, as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, we will offer Thanet’s VCSEs, free, targeted fundraising support as part of the Community Champions
Programme.
Here’s how, and where, you can access our support…
Mentoring for Groups
- You can work 1-2-1 with a specialist mentor from our team to access in-depth support with the area of funding or fundraising that you need most.
- Improve bid writing skills
- Learn to diversify income
- Build resilience
- Increase your chance of success
For more information about Mentoring
For more information about Events & Training opportunities
Funding Conference
A free day of fundraising training, networking and expert funding advice.
- Meet 1-2-1 with a range of funders
- Boost your skills with expert training
- Explore partnership bids with others
- Updates from TDC & CCP partners
When: 12 Feb, 10am-3pm
Where: Margate (Feb)
Booking information – 12 Feb – Margate
Online Training Day – 13 March
We will be offering online training focused on increasing your bid-writing skills.
Learn about full cost recovery and the inclusion of core costs in bids
Take part in break-out training sessions on a variety of subjects
Discuss funding issues you’re currently facing Explore potential partnership work
When: 13 March 2025, 10am-3pm
Where: Online via Zoom
Booking links to follow
PermalinkDelivered by Social Enterprise Kent
SEK is proud to deliver the Community Champions Programme in Thanet, designed to strengthen and support local charities and social enterprises.
More information can be found here
| Course | Date | Time | Location |
| Mental Health Awareness | 9 December 2024 | 1pm to 4pm | Ramsgate |
| Good Governance | 16 January 2025 | 9.30am to 12.30pm | Ramsgate |
| HR for Charities | 28 January 2025 | 9.30am to 12.30pm | Margate |
| TBC | 4 February 2025 | 9.30am to 12.30pm | Margate |
| Theory of Change | 19 February 2025 | 1pm to 4pm | Margate |
| Business Presentation | 26 February 2025 | 9.30am to 12.30pm | Margate |
| Measuring Social Impact | 6 March 2025 | 1pm to 4pm | Ramsgate |
| TBC | 19 March 2025 | 9.30am to 12.30pm | Ramsgate |
Want more information?
Find the full course synopsis and to book: Social Enterprise Kent website
PermalinkKent Coast Volunteering are the ‘go-to’ place for all things volunteering in Thanet, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe.
Their mission is to connect communities across Thanet, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe, through volunteering and community-led projects; supporting volunteers and volunteer involving organisations to meet needs and improve quality of life.
As part of the Community Champions Programme, KCV will be providing
- 6 Best Practice Training Sessions
- 4 Network and Knowledge Sessions
- Community engagement event – details tbc
- Volunteer Involving Organisation’s Social events
- Marketing support for the sector
Here are the Best Practice Training Sessions and Network and Knowledge Sessions. Other events will be added so keep checking back and look out for newsletters.
If you would like to get in touch with them please email info@kcv.org.uk
| Event Type | Date | Times | Topic | Venue | TO BOOK Eventbrite Links |
| Best Practice Training | Thursday 05/12/2024 | 10.00am – 12pm | Handling Difficult Situations | Sugar Rush | BOOK HERE |
| Network and Knowledge | Thursday 05/12/2024 | 12pm – 1.30pm | Celebrating Volunteers | Sugar Rush | BOOK HERE |
| Best Practice Training | Thursday 09/01/2025 | 10.00am -12pm | Safeguarding for Volunteer Teams | Cliftonville Cultural Space | BOOK HERE |
| Best Practice Training | Thursday 06/02/2025 | 10.00am -12pm | DBS Eligibility and Recruitment |
Discovery Planet 47 High Street Ramsgate CT11 9AG |
BOOK HERE |
Thanet Youth Forum – Forum for networking and partnership working opportunities for participating organisations that offer activities for young people. Offer includes; Networking, training, partnerships, support, representation
They believe that all young people should have access to creative journeys.
Thanet Youth Network will provide a community of support in Thanet and collaborate to make that happen
Make contact via Pie Factory Music
Or email thanetyouthnetwork@piefactorymusic.com
Ethos and Values
- The Thanet Youth Network (TYN) is for organisations and practitioners – employed and freelance – working creatively with young people in Thanet.
- TYN is a space for practitioners first, and organisations second.
- When we come to TYN meetings, we leave our targets/agendas/business plans at the door (unless we are specifically sharing learning or practice). This is to enable an environment for problem sharing and problem-solving as a group, where the Chatham House Rule applies.
- TYN members are open-minded, and approach discussions with a positive, action-driven frame of mind.
- TYN actively promotes a culture of collaboration, not competition. TYN takes at its heart the view that young people benefit most when true partnership working takes place.
- TYN fosters an environment where organisations and practitioners not only share resources and opportunities, but support and values.
What we aim to achieve
- Increased collaboration opportunities between organisations working with young people in Thanet
- Decreased feeling of competition between organisations working with young people in Thanet (i.e. around funding opportunities)
- Increased knowledge, understanding and confidence of the youth sector workforce in Thanet
- Improved communication channels between the Thanet Youth Network and other boards / forums of influence in Thanet and wider (i.e. Thanet Regeneration Partnership Board, and Kent Youth Partnership)
Who we are
Our core group, who steer the Network, are made up of:
- Margate Creative Land Trust
- Discovery Planet
- Oasis Domestic Abuse Service
- Quench Gallery
The Thanet Youth Network is made up of over 50 freelancers and representatives from over 30 organisations working with young people in Thanet, including:
- 1927
- Aim4 Partnerships
- Albion Rooms
- Arts Education Exchange
- Arts in Ramsgate
- Catch 22
- CMK
- Co-relate
- Discovery Planet
- East Kent Libraries
- Inspiration Creative
- Kent Coast Volunteering
- Looping The Loop
- Margate Bookie
- Margate Creative Land Trust
- Margate Pride
- Oasis Domestic Abuse Service
- Open School East
- Pavilion Community Café
- People Dem Collective
- Pie Factory Music
- Porchlight
- POW! Thanet
- Rockstar Experience
- Stefan’s Acts of Kindness
- Thanet District Council
- This Museum is Not Obsolete
- Turner Contemporary
- Westcoast CIC / Olby’s
Neurodivergency Training ‘Difference not Deficit’
Training workshops for Thanet VCSE organisations
Aims:
An increased empathy and understanding of neurodivergency
How to best support neurodivergent staff, volunteers and members of the public
Outcomes include:
Enhanced support services
Improved inclusivity
Reduced stigma and discrimination
Reduced Mental health and suicide rates
Increased collaboration and partnerships
Support employment opportunities
FREE as part of the Thanet Community Champions Programme
15 places available at each session
One representative from each organisation
Delivered by STAK Life CIC
18 February – 9.30 to 1pm
Sustainability in Action: Practical Steps for Local Impact in The Voluntary Sector
Focus your energies on making the biggest sustainable impact, with help from local
sustainability author and expert, Georgina Wilson-Powell. Geared towards VCSE in
Thanet, this half day interactive workshop will explore barriers, impactful strategies,
equip you with the latest stats and resources to collaborate locally and help you so you
don’t have to reinvent the wheel to see realistic and long-term changes in your
organisation.
Booking information to follow soon
Permalink19th Feb and 20th March 2025
Provided by Kent Surf School – Booking information to follow very soon
12 places per course
- Understanding the role and responsibilities of the First Aider
- Assessing an emergency situation
- First aid for a casualty who is unresponsive and breathing normally
- First Aid for a casualty who is unresponsive and not breathing (use of AED)
- Treatment for a casualty suffering from a seizure
- First Aid for a choking casualty
- First Aid treatment for external bleeding, including treatment of shock
- First Aid to a casualty with bites, stings and minor injuries including burns
Thanet Community Champions Workshop: Women & Girls
A workshop exploring how your services can best support women and girls in Thanet
Join Spaces 2 Connect community organisations and other stakeholders to explore how, through applying a gendered lens to services, we could
better meet the needs of women and girls in Thanet.
Wed, 15 Jan 2025 13:00 – 16:00 GMT
PermalinkSOLD OUT !!
Calling all local businesses and voluntary sector organisations!
We’ve partnered with Margate Caves to host a free workshop and networking event for Thanet-based businesses and voluntary sector organisations.
Subject: Stronger Together: Unlock Your 2025 Success Plan
Workshops, Networking and Fresh Insights Await You
Are you ready to kick-start 2024 with connections and strategies that will make a real difference?
Join us for Stronger Together: Connecting Businesses and Communities for Shared Success—a day packed with inspiration, collaboration, and practical tools to drive progress in Thanet.
📅 Date: Tuesday, 14th January 2025
📍 Venue: Margate Caves, Margate, UK
⏰ Time: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM (Optional cave tour to follow)
Here’s what to look forward to:
Agenda Highlights
9:30 AM – Arrival with networking and refreshments
10:00 AM – Welcome by Nicola Wood, Shared Prosperity Project Coordinator: Learn about the Stronger Together events, their funding, and the purpose of the day
10:15 AM – Vision to Action: Crafting Your 2025 Success Plan (with Zoe Cairns)
Create a practical, one-page plan to achieve your goals for 2025 with clear, actionable steps to keep you inspired and on track all year.
11:15 AM – Refreshment break and networking
11:30 AM – Streamline Your Social Media with AI (with Zoe Cairns)
Discover how AI tools like Canva Magic Studio and ChatGPT can streamline your content creation while staying true to your brand voice.
12:30 PM – Georgina Wilson Powell on Sustainability
Insights into building more sustainable practices for your organisation.
1:15 PM – Networking lunch provided by ‘The Perfect Place to Grow CIC’
2:00 PM – Optional Tour of Margate Caves
Spaces are limited to 40 attendees, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to strengthen your network and make a lasting impact.
👉 reserve your spot on eventbrite
Let’s make 2025 the year we work stronger together.
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