Age UK Kent Rivers

16/04/2026

Important Update from the Board of Trustees

The trustees of Age UK Kent Rivers confirm that the charity has now closed following a period of significant cash flow challenges. This has been an extremely difficult decision.

Over recent months, we worked diligently to address serious and escalating financial pressures. Despite these efforts, the position became unsustainable, and we are no longer able to continue operating.

We recognise this news will come as a shock and will be deeply upsetting to many, particularly our clients, staff, volunteers and partners. We share that sense of sadness and concern.

Our priority has been to ensure that those who rely on our services are supported as effectively as possible during this transition. We have made every effort to ensure our clients have been signposted to alternative services.

Older people, as well as their friends, families and carers, looking for support can contact the Age UK national advice line on 0800 169 6565.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our staff, volunteers and partners for their dedication and commitment to supporting our communities.

13/03/2026

Did you know that at Age UK Kent Rivers we also provide specialist support for neurodivergent adults and their carers? 🫶🏻

Carers Relief Service (CRS) offers flexible, client-led support, social interaction and much-needed respite for neurodivergent adults aged 18+ with learning disabilities and autism across Medway and the surrounding areas.

Recently, our team got into the spirit of World Book Day, dressing up in fancy dress while also celebrating a client’s birthday! 📚🎉
It was a wonderful day filled with fun, laughter and celebration – moments like these show just how much our staff care and how warm, friendly and supportive the CRS environment is for both clients and carers.

To find out more about our Carers Relief Service:
📞 01634 715995
📧 [email protected]
🔗 ageuk.org.uk/kentrivers/our-services (select ‘Support for Carers’ from the drop-down menu)

04/03/2026

Need help understanding your options, filling in forms, or checking what support you’re entitled to? We’re here to help. 📑

Navigating benefits, pensions and services can feel complicated — but you don’t have to do it alone. Our Information & Advice team offers free, confidential support to help you make informed decisions and access the help you deserve.

ℹ️ Our Information & Advice services include:

• Benefits entitlement checks – find out what you may be entitled to, including Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance and other benefits, and get support to apply.
• Help with Attendance Allowance – guidance through the application process to give you the best chance of a successful claim.
• Pension Credit support – check eligibility and assistance with completing applications.
• Form-filling assistance – practical help with paperwork so nothing feels overwhelming.
• NHS Talking Therapies referrals – support with registering for NHS Talking Therapies to access free help for anxiety, low mood and other common mental health concerns.
• General information & signposting – clear, impartial guidance on a wide range of topics affecting later life.

Our service is free, confidential and impartial, covering Medway, North West Kent, Sittingbourne and Faversham (with surrounding areas supported subject to availability).

📞 01634 572616
✉️ [email protected]

🌐 www.ageuk.org.uk/kentrivers

📘 bit.ly/kentriversservices

The final post in our services spotlight series — helping make sure everyone knows what support is available (see our past posts for our full service range).

25/02/2026

18/02/2026

Did you know at Age UK Kent Rivers, we also provide services to support neurodivergent adults and their carers? 🫶🏻

Our Carers Relief Service provides flexible, varied, client & carer-led support, social interaction and respite for neurodivergent adults aged 18+ with learning disabilities and autism within Medway and surrounding areas.

To find out more:
📞 01634 715995
📧 [email protected]
🔗 ageuk.org.uk/kentrivers/our-services (and select ‘support for carers’ from the drop-down menu!)

13/02/2026

🗓️ We will be at the Council for Voluntary Service North West Kent Volunteers Fair on 25th February, from 11am-2pm!

Come along to meet our Volunteer Coordinator and find out more about our services at Age UK Kent Rivers, and how you can get involved to help older people Achieve Life's Fullness.

See you there! 🙌

10/02/2026

Last chance to donate before Stuart’s fundraising page closes 💙

Back in November, Volunteer Befriender Stuart completed his epic trek to Everest Base Camp — over 400,000 steps for our Befriending Service — and he’s already raised an incredible £731 🏔️ 🙌

Let’s help him push that total even higher and support older people across Faversham, Sittingbourne and Medway to access friendship, companionship and vital support.
Every donation, big or small, really does make a difference.

🔗 Final donations welcome — let’s finish strong for an amazing challenge! Click the link in our bio or just head to https://www.justgiving.com/page/ushmyster

06/02/2026

Want to keep fit and active, or just socialise with likeminded people? There’s something for everyone. 💙

Staying social and active can make a huge difference to wellbeing in later life. Our group-based and supported activities help older people stay connected, build confidence and enjoy shared experiences at their own pace.

Our wellbeing and social activities include:

💬 Wellbeing Day Centres – full days of socialising, activities and entertainment, with a two-course meal, refreshments and transport*. Centres in Gillingham, Gravesend & Faversham.

☕️ Social Clubs & Coffee Mornings – relaxed lunch clubs, walking clubs and coffee mornings in Gravesend & Faversham.

⚽️ Walking Sports & Exercise Classes – gentle sports and exercise sessions designed to keep people moving safely and confidently. Available in Medway, Gravesend, Sittingbourne & Faversham*.

🚙 Trips & Events – supported one-to-one outings and companionship for people who aren’t ready for group activities yet, helping them reconnect with their local community. Available in Faversham & Sittingbourne.

Whether it’s building friendships, staying active, or simply having something to look forward to each week, we’re here to help people feel part of their community.

Get in touch today for a free taster session at one of our day centres or to find out more about the services:

📞 01634 572616
✉️ [email protected]

🌐 www.ageuk.org.uk/kentrivers

📘 bit.ly/kentriversservices

*Services and transport may vary depending on location.

Part of our services spotlight series — helping make sure everyone knows what support is available. Look back on our past posts to see our full range of services. ✨

05/02/2026

“Mum is eating more and more healthily thanks to your service - we’re very grateful.”

We are here to help! 🍲🚐🏠

It’s estimated that around one in ten people over the age of 65 are malnourished or are at risk of malnutrition — that’s over one million people in the UK today [Age UK].

That’s why we operate our Meal Delivery Service — to support older people who want to maintain their independence and continue living at home for longer. 🚐🍽️

We make sure they have access to regular, healthy and wholesome meals, while giving their loved ones peace of mind — helping everyone to Achieve Life’s Fullness. 💚

📍 Our Meal Delivery Service covers Medway, Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley, Sittingbourne, Faversham and Swale.

🍽️ Try your first meal today:

☎️ Call us on 01634 572616
📧 Email us at [email protected]

ℹ️ or for more information visit www.ageuk.org.uk/kentrivers

04/02/2026

💙 Community partnerships like this really do make a difference 💙

We were so pleased to welcome the Community Champions from Tesco Courtney Road, who continue to support our Dementia Café with raffle prizes, event hampers and ongoing encouragement. It was lovely to show them the atmosphere they help create and to see how impressed they were by the strong community that comes together here.

A huge thank you to Tesco Courtney Road for their continued support — we’re proud to be featured on their community board, so do take a look next time you’re in store!

🔗 To find out how you can get involved, just head to ageuk.org.uk/kentrivers/get-involved

23/01/2026

Living with dementia or memory concerns? Support is available — for both individuals and carers. 💙

Living with dementia, or starting to notice memory concerns, can feel overwhelming, but the right support can make a real difference. Our dementia services focus on connection, stimulation and reassurance, while also providing vital respite for carers and families.

✨ Our dementia support services include:

• Dementia & Memory Cafés – volunteer-led, welcoming sessions for people living with dementia or memory concerns, alongside carers and family (small donation only). Available in Medway, Sittingbourne & Faversham.

• Dementia Day Centres – full days at specialist centres for people with mild to moderate dementia, offering structured activities, meals and respite for carers. Transport available where possible. Centres in Chatham, Faversham & Gravesend.

• Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST) – a structured, evidence-based therapy supporting cognition, independence and wellbeing. The only non-drug treatment recommended by NICE. Available in Medway, Faversham & Sittingbourne.

• Support & dementia outreach – practical and wellbeing support at home, from companionship and stimulating activities to domestic care. Available in Medway, Faversham & Sittingbourne.

📞 01634 572616
✉️ [email protected]

🌐 www.ageuk.org.uk/kentrivers

📘 bit.ly/kentriversservices

Services may vary depending on location.
Part of our services spotlight series — helping make sure everyone knows what support is available.