Welcome to the Kent Medway Charity Team, a leading charity dedicated to promoting health, wellbeing, and green travel initiatives across Kent and beyond. As we approach our 20th anniversary, we proudly reflect on the profound impact we’ve made over the past two decades. From encouraging healthier, eco-friendly journeys to supporting schools and raising vital funds for charitable causes, our work has touched the lives of millions.
Our story began in 2000 when Kent journalist Simon Dolby founded what was then known as the Kent and Medway Walking Bus Group. Initially established as a small club and society, our core mission was simple: to promote safe, green travel to school for children across the county. With a growing network of walking buses, we sought to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and inspire a healthier way of life for schoolchildren and their families.
By 2004, we evolved into a registered charity, and in 2009, we embraced a new identity – the Kent Medway Charity Team (KM Charity Team). This rebranding reflected our expanding portfolio of services, which now encompass not only green travel initiatives but also health, wellbeing, and educational support. Though our name has changed over the years, our dedication to making a positive impact remains as strong as ever.
Today, our focus continues to be on improving the lives of children and families, particularly through school-centered programs that promote literacy, safety, and health. We’ve also developed a robust support system for Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and other charities, helping them raise funds and awareness for their causes. Our close partnership with the KM Group, Kent’s largest multi-media publisher, further amplifies the reach and impact of our initiatives.
Our Impact
Over the past 19 years, the Kent Medway Charity Team has achieved remarkable success, and our impact figures speak for themselves. We’ve generated 7 million green, healthy journeys through our walk-to-school initiatives, encouraging countless children and parents to embrace walking as a primary mode of transport. By making walking fun and safe, we’ve helped to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and foster a love for active living.
Through our various literacy programs, including Buster’s Book Club and the Kent Literacy Awards, we’ve recorded an astounding 30 million minutes of reading among schoolchildren, making a significant contribution to improving literacy levels in Kent and beyond. Our road safety initiatives have enabled over 17,000 children to pass bronze, silver, and gold skill tests, ensuring they are well-equipped to stay safe on the streets.
Beyond our work in schools, we’ve also raised £1 million for good causes and charities through collaborative fundraising challenges. Our events, such as the KM Dragon Boat Race, KM Assault Course Challenge, and KM Charity Walk, have enabled PTAs and local charities to raise essential funds while engaging in exciting and rewarding activities.
Additionally, our Kent Teacher of the Year Awards have recognized and celebrated the hard work of thousands of teachers, with over 6,600 nominations submitted so far. These awards highlight the incredible dedication of educators who go above and beyond to inspire the next generation.
Services for Schools and Charities
At the Kent Medway Charity Team, we offer a variety of services designed to support schools, PTAs, and charities in their efforts to promote health, education, and community engagement.
For schools, our initiatives include:
- Walk to School Programs: These initiatives, such as the Walking Bus, Walk on Wednesday, and Green Footsteps, encourage green travel and promote a healthier lifestyle for children.
- Buster’s Book Club: A reading reward scheme designed to improve literacy levels by motivating children to read regularly and track their progress.
- Young Cooks: Our MasterChef-style competition inspires children to explore their culinary skills and promotes healthy eating habits.
- Teacher of the Year and Literacy Awards: These programs celebrate exceptional educators and promote literacy excellence.
For charities and good causes, we offer:
- KM Charity of the Year selection process: This program helps local charities gain additional exposure and support through collaborative efforts.
- Fundraising Support: We provide PTAs and charities with a wide range of fundraising opportunities through our popular events, including the KM Abseil Challenge, KM Big Bike Ride, and Buster’s Firewalk.
Join Us and Get Involved
Whether you’re a school, PTA, charity, or individual looking to make a difference, the Kent Medway Charity Team is here to support you. We encourage you to explore our website to learn more about our work and discover how you can get involved. From signing up for one of our fun and impactful events to joining our fundraising initiatives, there’s something for everyone to contribute to.
For more information, please call us at 0844 2640291 or email us at post@kmcharityteam.co.uk. You can also sign up for our newsletters to stay updated on our latest projects and opportunities to make a difference in your community.
Together, we can continue to inspire healthy, happy, and engaged communities across Kent and beyond. Thank you for your support!