Charitable Assistance
Resident Support & Charitable Assistance
At Chilmington Management Organisation, we recognise that residents may face challenges from time to time. Whether you need financial support, wellbeing advice, help with rising living costs, or someone to talk to, there are a range of organisations that may be able to help. This page brings together useful charities, local services and support networks that residents can access when needed.
Financial Advice & Cost of Living Support
Ashford Borough Citizens Advice
Free, confidential and impartial advice on debt, benefits, housing, employment and consumer issues. They also provide specialist advice services and support for residents facing financial difficulties.
Turn2us
Provides information on grants, benefits and financial support that may be available to individuals and families.
MoneyHelper
Free government-backed guidance on budgeting, debt management, pensions and money matters.
https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/
StepChange Debt Charity
Free debt advice and debt management support.
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Porchlight
A Kent-based charity supporting people experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, housing difficulties and financial hardship. Porchlight provides a range of support services across Kent, including Ashford.
https://www.porchlight.org.uk/
Live Well Kent & Medway
Provides free mental health and wellbeing support for adults across Kent and Medway. Services include support for anxiety, depression, loneliness, employment and housing concerns.
Mind
Mental health information, advice and support.
Samaritans
24-hour emotional support for anyone struggling to cope.
Family Support
Home-Start Ashford & District
A local charity providing support, friendship and practical help to families with young children who may be experiencing challenging circumstances.
http://home-start-ashford.co.uk/
Family Lives
Offers confidential support and advice for parents and families.
https://www.familylives.org.uk/
YoungMinds
Mental health support and advice for young people and parents.
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
Housing & Homelessness
Porchlight Housing Support
Offers advice and assistance to people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home. Services include homelessness prevention, supported accommodation and housing-related support.
https://www.porchlight.org.uk/
Shelter
Information and advice on housing rights, homelessness and renting.
StreetLink
If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough, StreetLink can connect them with local support services.
https://www.streetlink.org.uk/
Food & Essential Supplies
Ashford Family Food Bank
Provides food support to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship across Ashford and Kent.
https://www.familyfoodbank.org/
Repton Connect Community Shop
Affordable food and essential supplies for local residents.
https://www.reptonconnect.org.uk/
The Salvation Army Ashford
Provides community support, food assistance and practical help for those in need.
https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/
Ashford Borough Council – Food Banks & Essential Supplies
A directory of food banks and essential support services available throughout the borough.
https://www.ashford.gov.uk/cost-of-living-help/ashford-food-banks-and-other-essential-supplies/
Community Support
Age UK Kent Rivers
Support, advice and services for older residents across Kent.
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/kentrivers/
Ashford Volunteer Centre
Helping people connect with volunteering opportunities and community groups.
Need Further Help?
If you are unable to find the support you need, please contact us at hello@cmo.org.uk. While we are not a specialist support provider, we may be able to help point you towards organisations and services that can offer assistance and guidance.
We appreciate that some residents may experience financial difficulties from time to time. If you are concerned about meeting your Rent Charge obligations, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your circumstances. While the CMO is unable to provide financial assistance directly, we may be able to discuss potential options with you and signpost you to relevant organisations that can provide advice and support. Any information shared with us will be treated sensitively and, where appropriate, kept confidential, allowing us to have an open and constructive conversation about your circumstances.
