We are have always had links with local churches and have benefited from their support through awareness raising, donations, and direct spiritual support to individual service users.

Our Christian ethos underpins the way we help people in crisis. We aim to reach out to those who are on the margins of society and we believe that everyone deserves a second chance.

Many of our staff are Christians and we employ a relief and pastoral care worker to help staff at times of difficulty.

Our Chief Executive Angela Painter and other members of staff undertake preaching and speaking engagements at many local churches and groups.

We have an annual Christmas carol service which is a special occasion open to everyone to spend time together with a selected local church. Details of the next Christmas carol are published in our News & Events section in November.

The role of spirituality in recovery

Our programmes are not based on religion and we welcome people from all backgrounds and faiths. We encourage service users to explore spirituality because it can help them in their recovery and to grow as a person, but we recognise that everyone is different and we respect all personal opinions and wishes.

The renowned 12 Step approach to recovery, which some of our projects use alongside other evidenced based interventions, is based on the acceptance of a ‘higher power’ and for many people this will be God. We have many testimonials of people who left with a faith and still pray daily today, reporting how much help and guidance this provides to them, and how it is essential to their staying sober and leading positive lives.

Some of our residents are Christians and the Vicar of Yalding Church, Paul Filmer, is the Chaplain for all Kenward Trust projects. He is offering a monthly worship service for residents of Kenward House and Kenward Barn who wish to attend, and a mini alpha course ‘Exploring Christianity’ for those who want to explore the Christian faith.