Community Investment Projects
Across our communities, we’re proud to support local projects that bring people together, offer practical help and create opportunities to connect.
Whether you’re looking to meet new people, try something new or access support, there are some great initiatives you can get involved in.
You can find out more about what’s on offer here.
Befriending
We’ve partnered with Keep Talking Services to offer free telephone befriending for residents. We’re trialling this service in rural communities first.
What's on offer
- Enjoy weekly friendly chats with a dedicated volunteer
- Schedule calls at a time that suits you
- Get carefully matched with a volunteer who understands your needs
- Get support for your mental health
- It’s completely free of charge - they’ll call you, so you don’t need to have phone credit.
How to sign up
If you’d like to sign up, contact Keep Talking Services. Please include your name, contact number and let them know you’re a Town & Country Housing resident.
Help to cut the cost of bills with ‘Pocket Power’
We’ve partnered with Pocket Power to offer residents free advice and support to save money and switch to the best deals for gas, electric, internet and more!
What’s on offer
- Free confidential advice to look at your bills and make savings.
- They’ll help you make the switch and can even book follow up support calls to speak to utility providers with you.
- On average, people save over £200 in the first 30 minute phone call.
How to sign up
Just call Town & Country Housing’s customer service team and ask for a Pocket Power referral.
Phone: 01892 501480
Peer support café for survivors
We’ve supported a charity called Joining Hands Joining Hearts to open a new weekly peer support group in Maidstone. Its run by and for women who are survivors of any type of abuse.
What’s on offer
- Chat with others who’ve experienced abuse
- Get support, advice and signposting to other support services
- Join in with some fun activities – the groups decide what to do together. So far they’ve done art and creative activities, games and learning about healthy relationships.
How to join in
You’re welcome to pop into the group any time, or ring the group leader Keeley if you’d like to chat or meet up privately first.
Visit: Fridays 9.30am – 11.30am (term time only) at Switch, 34A High Street, Maidstone ME14 1JH
Phone: 07864136131
Email: support@jhjh.org
You’re welcome to pop in – the group meets on Friday mornings 10am – 12pm at Switch, Maidstone.
Digital Buddies
We’ve partnered with Surrey Lifelong Learning to offer free digital skills training sessions to residents in Epsom.
What’s on offer
- Get free support for your own goals and work at your own pace
- Learn anything from using smart phones and tablets to get online, to improving your computer skills for work.
- Get support to use online services for things like the NHS, banking and benefits.
How to sign up
To sign up, just contact the friendly team at Epsom & Ewell Hub:
Online form: https://www.epsomandewellhub.com/
Phone: 01372 282 101
E-mail: epsomandewellhub@surreyllp.org.uk
English and Maths training for 16-17 year olds
To support young residents and families, we’ve partnered with Runway Training to offer online training for 16- and 17-year-olds who are not in education, training or employment (‘NEET’).
What’s on offer
- Residents aged 16 and 17 in Kent, Surrey and Sussex can access funded online training
- Residents can get accredited qualifications in English and Maths to prepare them for the next steps in their career pathway
- Gain confidence and get support to consider the next step, whether that's college, an apprenticeship or work.
How to sign up
To be referred for this service, you’ll need to contact your local support service for young people who are NEET first. They can make a full assessment and offer the right support to each young person based on their needs, skills, aspirations and location.
Kent: The Education People
Surrey: NEET support referral - Surrey County Council
East Sussex: YES Youth Employability Service
West Sussex: Careers Team referral form | Your Voice West Sussex
Lifelong Fitness
Residents in Later Living+ can take part in free exercise sessions designed for all abilities. Sessions are available at Lawson House, Watling Court, Rosewell House and Meadow View Court.
What’s on offer
- Weekly group exercise sessions led by a qualified tutor
- Improve your mobility and fitness
- Fun sessions where you can get to know your neighbours
How to sign up
Speak to your Housing Manager to find out when sessions take place at your scheme and let them know you'd like to join.
Community Gardening
We’re supporting families in Broadstairs to get involved in planting a community woodland and garden together at Westwood Acres.
What's on offer
- Family friendly activity sessions led by our partner charity, Communigrow.
- Tree and flower planting
- Nature crafts – such as the newly built bug hotel.
How to get involved
If you’d like to take part, contact Joshua at Communigrow:
Conqueror House Support Group
Residents affected by the fire at Conqueror House in Dover can access free support from our partner charity, Take Off.
What’s on offer
- Free one to one mental health support
- Join in with a peer support group just for Conqueror House residents
- Join in with other groups including activities and hobby groups
To find out more about Take Off, visit www.takeoffworks.org
How to sign up
To be referred for specialist support just for TCH residents, contact customer services, your neighbourhood manager or your tenancy support worker and ask for a referral.
Phone: 01892 501480
Happy Mondays
We’re supporting the Happy Mondays project in Ramsgate!
What’s on offer
- A relaxed space to meet new people and chat – the group is open to all.
- Arts and crafts projects, free hand massages or just a cup of tea!
- Get involved in the local community through volunteering and sharing your skills.
How to join in
No need to book – you’re welcome to come along to any session.
When: Mondays 1pm-6pm
Where: Arts in Ramsgate, 46 High Street, Ramsgate
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/HappyMondaysRamsgreat/
Community Noticeboard
Want to find out what else is happening in your local community? Check out the community noticeboard where we share information about lots of topics including social groups, community events and support services.
How to sign up
Got an idea for a community project?
If you’ve got an idea or know of a local charity or community organisation that supports residents, you could get support from TCH and our suppliers.
To find out more, visit the Social Value and Community Investment page.