Page 10 - AIT.cdr

Aylesham’s home

grown charity that

always delivers

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BECHANGE was established 25 Council, Dover District Council and so many generous
years ago this Spring. Then known donations from the public - both during the crisis, and
as the Aylesham Neighbourhood of course over the last 25 Years.
The Workshop Trust (ADCWT) stepped up with
Project, the organisation quickly funding at the start of the pandemic and we worked
became a family and community closely with Aylesham Hub and Deal Area Foodbank
support organisation that has A hand-up in tough times
withstood the test of time and
changes in the village. A key part of Bechange’s service is help and advice
with securing entitlements to government and council
Angela Doggett has worked at the centre for the past help and support when it needed. Uniquely in the area,
12 years and for 6 as manager. She believes that the past they will work along side you and help find your way
two years have been amongst the most challenging in through the sometimes bewildering array of support
the charity’s history. available, and stay with you on the journey until you get
a decision – see page 13.
“When Covid hit and the lockdown began two years
ago we were faced with a choice: wind down the facility, ASPIRE at Bechange
apply for furlough and keep our fingers crossed that the Bechange was selected as the location for the ASPIRE
crisis would soon pass, or to adapt and continue to offer project - a major programme to help and support
crucial services to Aylesham and the villages. people into health and employment (see page16). This
“Our staff stayed working throughout the pandemic, was a great fit for the continuing work of Bechange.
sometimes from home but often in the kitchen and the BABY CLUB
hall organising alongside our wonderful volunteers, the
crisis food project. Angela explains: “We now have a busy timetable
of projects at our community hub. Some are offered
NECESSITIES and led by the ASPIRE team, and some are part of
“More than 17,000 oven ready meals were delivered our regular activities. New ones are coming along,
to peoples homes who had problems getting food and such as the Baby Club and Lite Bites Community
personal necessities from other sources. We were able Lunch, and new community groups are sprouting
to take on more staff and our expert benefit advisers up - including the popular Arts Club and Up-cycling
helped families access help and support at a time when sessions. And anyone who has dropped into one of the
incomes were cut. popular ‘Camerados Public Living Room’ weekly social
“But we realised early on that we had to prepare for gatherings will appreciate the friendly atmosphere the
the work we would need to do after the crisis, and we centre has.
put together a three year project to bring vital funding “And one big change you will see if you visit the
and resources to Aylesham. centre is the wonderful new garden. ASPIRE has led the
project to clear, plan, plant and grow on the over-grown
“We secured funding from the National Lottery area behind our building. It now has safe pathways,
that would keep many of our services going, and we storage, fencing and has been designed to allow access
were so pleased to be chosen by the Kent Community for all.
Foundation as the Dover area charity to receive core-
funding support as part of its project to celebrate their “It is a great place to come and pick up some tips,
twentieth anniversary. make friends and enjoy helping things grow. It will
be a great resource left in the village once the ASPIRE
“I should also say we have received support from the project ends in the next year or two.”
Swire Charitable Foundation and from Aylesham Parish
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