Kent Coast Volunteering is a charity committed to connecting communities through the work of Volunteer Involving Organisations (VIOs – organisations who rely on the support of volunteers to provide services) and potential volunteers to improve quality of life.

They do this by:

• being the ‘go to’ place for all volunteering matters in and around the Kent coast
• recruiting and placing volunteers where and when they are needed
• providing essential services that promote independent living
• supporting VIOs in strengthening their offer
• delivering community-based projects that contribute to all aspects of health and wellbeing
• working across all sectors to ensure that people are signposted to appropriate services
• promoting collaboration across all sectors for a joined-up approach to resolving community issues

The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust has most recently provided funding towards a part time Volunteer Connector at KCV to support the VIOs and volunteers.

The Volunteer Connector first triages the VIO, discussing what support they can offer and gives guidance on getting the best out of KCV’s Simply Connect platform and explores the best routes to sourcing and recruiting volunteers. They also provide guidance and support on the management and retention of volunteers, helping to identify and source training that can help strengthen them.

In the past, RDHCT has funded KCV when it operated as Shepway Volunteer Centre. In 2021, the Trust provided Covid emergency funding.