Dandelion Time

28/05/2026

Thanks to the incredible fundraising efforts of Gallagher UK Insurance and nomination of the Aviva Community Broker Award, Dandelion Time can now offer nature-based therapeutic support at our brand new centre in Ashford!

The expansion increases our capacity to support up to 150 children a year across the region, working with those children alongside their families through outdoor, sensory and hands on activities.

We’re proud to deliver this work in partnership with The Pearce Coggan Foundation, whose farm at Green Farm Kent provides a calm, natural setting closely aligned with our values around nature, relationships and wellbeing.

Thank you to Gallagher UK Insurance and all of our partners, supporters and funders for recognising the importance of collaborative, community based support for children and families.

26/05/2026

With your support, a child can spend time alongside the animals — and begin to heal.

They might stand nearby at first.
Then come a little closer.
Sit beside a donkey, hold a guinea pig, or watch the sheep moving together.

In those small moments, things begin to feel easier — and a child can start to feel more sure of themselves.

From just £5 a month, you can help make this possible.
Sponsor an animal. Help a child heal.

👉 https://dandeliontime.org.uk/sponsor-an-animal/

25/05/2026

Come and meet Dandelion Time at Maidstone’s Volunteer Day!

We’ll be at Market Hall on Monday 1 June, 10am–2pm as part of Maidstone’s Volunteer Day - a chance to connect with local organisations and find ways to get involved.

If you’re feeling curious or inspired to get involved, we’d love to meet you. Come and chat with the team about how you can play a part - whether that’s fundraising, cooking, gardening, animal care, or supporting family sessions.

Drop in, say hello, and explore how you could make a difference in a way that works for you.

Learn more: www.news.maidstone.gov.uk/home/news/26/april/volunteer-day

24/05/2026

Each of these animals offers something different.

Donkeys invite you to slow down.
Alpacas ask you to take your time.
Guinea pigs need gentle, careful handling.
Sheep bring calm through steady, familiar routines.

Being alongside them changes the moment — quieter, steadier, more manageable.

Sponsor an animal. Help a child heal.

23/05/2026

There’s something about being alongside an animal that changes the pace.

Their calm presence and gentle routines help create space for children to slow down, be gentle, and begin to feel more confident in themselves.

At Dandelion Time, these quiet moments are part of a wider, nature based way of working — where everything around the child is designed to feel steady, calm and safe.

From just £5 a month, you can help create them.

Sponsor an animal. Help a child heal.

👉 https://dandeliontime.org.uk/sponsor-an-animal/

21/05/2026

We are deeply grateful to Rotary Club of Maidstone Riverside for their amazing £500 donation to Dandelion Time.

It was inspiring to recently connect with so many wonderful charities at their community event, all working together to help local families. Thank you for the support!

19/05/2026

Nominate Dandelion Time for a £5,000 award - time is running out!

The Movement for Good Awards is a programme run by Benefact Group, giving away over £1 million to charities and good causes - and anyone can get involved.

With your nomination, Dandelion Time could receive a £5,000 donation to support vulnerable children and families. It only takes a moment to nominate, and every vote counts! Nominations close at midnight on Sunday 24th May.

Please share and vote for us now at
👉https://movementforgood.com/draws/special/health-wellbeing

16/05/2026

What an unforgettable May Fayre! Last Saturday, our site was blessed with sunshine and many visitors enjoying the day. Thanks to YOU, this year’s May Fayre was a huge success and we couldn’t have done it without the incredible Dandelion Time community that rallied around us.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this day so special:
• Our wonderful volunteers and staff, who worked tirelessly before, during, and after the event
• Performers and stallholders who brought the field to life with music, games, crafts, and more
• Generous local businesses for their amazing support
• And of course, every single visitor who came along, enjoyed the day, and gave so generously!

Together, we raised a staggering £9,197! These vital funds will help children and families heal, grow, and rediscover hope in the nurturing embrace of nature.
We hope that everyone attending had a fantastic day and can’t wait to welcome you back next year.

A heartfelt thank you to our supporters:
• Allura • Asda Kings Hill • Boughton Alpaca • Cabot Financial • Charlie's Angels Kitchens • Clever Creations • Crafty Crab • East Farleigh Parish Council • The Glitter and Graffiti Girls • Heartwood • Kings Hill Rotary Club • Lloyds • Maidstone Lions • Rock Choir South East • Choirs led by Aimee Smith • Medway and Maidstone Soroptimists • Marden Village Club • Old School Samba • Pavla Castle • Pendlewick Candles • Speldhurst Sausage • Stardust Puppets • UK Power Networks • Vegware • VIDAfresh • Warburtons •

14/05/2026

When Poppy first came to Dandelion Time, being around other children felt hard.
A year on, she’s building friendships, joining in, and feeling part of things.

At Dandelion Time, her self-esteem began to grow step by step.
Caring for the chickens became part of that. At first, they felt frightening, Poppy stayed back, watching from a safe distance.

But week by week, her steps became braver - entering the chicken coop, leaving food, stroking a chicken while someone else held it. Eventually, she held one independently. Later still, she began helping other children find the courage to do the same.

This Mental Health Awareness Week is about taking action and sometimes that starts with small steps.

👉 Read Poppy’s story and find out more about how Dandelion Time supports children: https://ow.ly/vsey50YZzUY

09/05/2026