MADM Making A Difference To Maidstone

Christian Charity helping those in crisis.

The MADM Outreach Centre is at the core of what we do as a charity. The charity shop exists to fund the work of Outreach where people in crisis in the community are referred in for support.

We have a five day a week Outreach Centre and food bank where we support people most in need that are referred to us by local organisations like Social Services, NHS, Maidstone Borough Council and others.

We not only deal with their practical needs, like furniture, food, clothes and household items, but our desire is to mentor, encourage, pray for and champion each person to reach their potential and improve their lives.

We have had an increasing need from victims of Domestic Abuse to support, both practically; providing beds, furniture, household/kitchen items and food, but also a safe place to share their traumatic experiences, combined with signposting and advocacy. We plan to offer more formal support groups in response to this.

We’ve been working with People Plus, Job Centre Plus and others to proactively offer work opportunities to those in need of work experience, to build confidence and to offer a chance for those with disabilities to be part of the team. We’ve also been able to placed refugees with limited English in volunteering opportunities that have given them vital work experience in retail, warehouse arenas, as well as overall charity shop work. We initiated meet ups for Ukrainians in Spring 2022 when we have an influx of new people to the town in need of support and connection.

The King’s Pantry offers bespoke food support. We ask clients to bring a shopping list of items they need and use and we help them to get through tough times with food, toiletries and cleaning products they will actually use. The MADM van picks up food from local supermarkets each week so we can also offer fresh fruit and vegetables which is very welcome for many people relying on food banks.

We really enjoy creating and working with such a diverse team of people as they build confidence and skills to give back to the community of Maidstone.