We are pleased to share the success of the Sevenoaks Peer Support Training Programme, delivered by West Kent Mind in autumn 2025. Thanks to a £1,000 Community Chest grant from West Kent and additional grant support from Sevenoaks Town Council, the charity was able to run the 10-week course locally, giving residents the chance to learn valuable skills.
A total of eight local people completed the training, and we are proud that half of the group were West Kent residents. This is a great example of how working in partnership with local organisations can directly benefit the communities we serve.
Helping people use their lived experience to support others
The programme followed the Scottish Recovery Network peer support model, which helps people use their own lived experience of mental health challenges to support others going through something similar.
Throughout the sessions, participants learned practical skills such as active listening, understanding boundaries and offering safe, meaningful support. Many also said that reflecting on their own experiences helped them grow in confidence and feel more connected to others.
Creating opportunities for residents
We’re delighted to hear that the programme has already opened up new opportunities. Several residents who took part have applied to volunteer with West Kent Mind, and others are interested in the new paid peer mentor roles the charity will be offering from the spring.
This shows the value of investing in training that builds skills, confidence and long-term opportunities for local people.
We are proud to support projects like this and look forward to continuing to work with local partners to strengthen wellbeing across our communities.