Supporting the lives of those experiencing the effects of isolation and loneliness
Registered Charity 1200790
Friendly Faces of Kent is a dedicated, welcoming and approachable charity, supporting adults experiencing the effects of loneliness and isolation - we believe that by providing our members with friendship, inclusion, encouragement and an arena to be heard, we will be able to make a vast difference to their lives.
We supports adults through a group centred approach, offering a range of innovative and high quality group sessions, walks and activities to promote and encourage our members to reconnect with their wider community. Delivered by professionals, support workers and volunteers, who together have their own experiences of isolation and loneliness.
Friendly Faces of Kent is not qualified to offer medical or mental health advice. We would urge anyone seeking further support and information to contact one of relevant professional organisations found on our Helpline Page.
Friendly Faces of Kent are proud to support our members in reconnecting, through community-led projects and volunteering opportunities
Meet Our Team
Lesley
CEO and Founder
Driving force behind Friendly Faces of Kent, Lesley began the group in 2017 when she recognised the need to reconnect and find friendship for those suffering Isolation and Loneliness - even more crucial than ever, over the past few years. Working to support our members both physically and remotely her selfless fund raising efforts, allow us to continue to provide inclusive services and activities to all our members free of change. Her determination and unfailing dedication has resulted in us gaining our full charity status, of which we are very proud.
Karon
Friendly Spaces
Co Ordinator
Having joined the Friendly Faces team in Spring 2024 Karon now runs the three monthly groups, in Sheerness, Sittingbourne and Teynham. Within the groups Karon arranges speakers and activities in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, while the members enjoy refreshments, chatting and making new friends and connections. She also works at The lighthouse coffee shop baking cakes and volunteers at a Dementia group. Karon regularly accompanies our members on the Friendly Walks, days out and After Dark meals.
Cheryl
Project Co ordinator
Overseeing the management of the facilities and users of the Wellbeing Hub at Rushenden, Cheryl is primarily involved in running specific projects with our partners and stakeholders. This helps strengthen our community, and help with funding outcomes. She creates our social media content, manages our website and produces a quarterly online and hardcopy newsletter with regular updates for all our members. As well as joining us on regular outings and Walk n Talk events in partnership with Carers Stepping Out.
Barry
SGN Project Telephone Support
Barry is in charge of helping our members keep up to date with the current financial support available, through the Warm Home Discount and Winter Fuel Payments. Signposting to free fuel vouchers and Carbon Monoxide alarms. He volunteers to set up and helps run our busy Friendly Spaces. Barry is also keen to promote and raise awareness of our organisations aims and goals within the wider community.
Rose
Volunteer
Rose is a busy Practice Nurse. We're so grateful that she's chosen to volunteer with us, and is actively involved in our Facebook Group where our Members chat- and get to know each other better, sharing their interests, hobbies and what's new in their lives. Rose also accompanies our members on our Friendly Walks and outings.
Alisha
Volunteer
Alisha takes time out of her busy life, working as a Practice Nurse, to run our hugely popular Pedometer Challenge, including Friendly Walks for participants, offering a wealth of experience to help get members fitter and more active. As well as keeping our Instagram and Twitter feeds updated, which helps to keep us all motivated, fit and healthy
Hina
Volunteer
We're grateful to Hina for volunteering her free time as we appreciate she has a very busy family life. She's happy to help out at our Friendly Spaces coffee mornings, and on our Walk n Talks. Always with a cheerful smile and lots of support and encouragement for our members.
Michael
Volunteer
Michael has generously joined us as a volunteer at our monthly Teynham Friendly Space after being a regular member for many years. We all appreciate his sterling work in helping set up the sessions, and in keeping us supplied with lovely drinks and biscuits from the busy kitchen
Vicki
Volunteer
Vicki runs her own very successful resin business making beautiful coastal themed gifts from discarded sea plastics she collects from local beaches. So we are thrilled that she chooses to volunteer with us when she gets some free time, often at short notice.
Laura
Volunteer
Laura, lives in London and works full time for the railway. But she still kindly makes time to help with our social media and Facebook Group when necessary. She helps our members with their physical and mental wellbeing, creating fun and interactive activities for all. Laura enjoys a challenge herself, having completed an Ultra Marathon and enjoys cold water swimming. She recently completed The 2025 Tokyo Marathon in Japan.
Ray
Volunteer
Ray, runs our dedicated and popular weekly men's group, Friendly Fellas. He has valuable lived life experience, and a deep understanding of the many issues that affect men's all round wellbeing. With a warm welcome guaranteed, the group continues to grow from strength to strength, due in no small part from Ray's dedication to the group and its members.
Steve
Volunteer
Steve, understands the importance of community and connection, and helps provide a warm welcome to those attending our Friendly Fellas groups, outings and activities. We appreciate the importance of providing a safe space, where men can share their experiences, seek advice and get support from their peers and Steve has been key in this process and in helping build the group..
Mick
Volunteer
Mick, an RHS qualified gardener, is always on hand with lots of gardening help and advice for our green fingered members. He's created a YouTube library of videos with virtual guided garden tours for those members unable to get out and about. Mick is running seasonal projects at our Rushenden Wellbeing Hub Garden. He's also a regular volunteer at our Friendly Spaces and on our walks.
Helen
Volunteer
Bob
Trustee
After a long career as a train driver and working in the Merchant Navy, Bob now enjoys his retirement playing bowls and loves travelling abroad in his camper van. He has a wealth of experience working on numerous committees and also volunteers his time for Carers Stepping Out, both behind the scenes and on regular Walk n Talk events.
Beverley
Trustee
Beverley is the founder of ADHD Awesome, supporting those affected, and their families. She is also a published author. She offers crucial office support and is always on hand with invaluable insight and advice to help our organisation as we move forward.
Lynda
Trustee
Lynda already has a role supporting the health and wellbeing of our members and the wider community, in her role with One You. She believes that a holistic approach is vital for healthier lifestyles. She enjoys keeping fit, family time and particularly time spent with her granddaughter. Lynda is please to be onboard with us, and welcome her role within the organisation.
